Lower Merion’s police department is investigating a string of itinerant burglaries that have occurred in the township in recent weeks.
Officials believe burglars are targeting high-value homes that appear to be unoccupied and are taking small valuables and jewelry. The incidents have been consistent with “burglary trends” reported across the region, the police department said in a statement on Thursday.
“Summertime is burglary season,” Lt. Michael Keenan of the Lower Merion Police Department said.
Keenan said the Lower Merion Police Department has seen several burglaries over the last three weeks, but declined to say where in the township they had taken place. The crimes have been consistent with previous patterns of burglaries by individuals who drive to wealthy neighborhoods in the Philly area, steal from empty homes, and flee, Keenan said.
The police department has said the crimes “may be connected to the South American Theft Group.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation has described “South American Theft Groups” as groups of foreign nationals who overstay visas in the U.S. and commit crimes, including burglaries, often using rental vehicles and fake IDs and documents.
Officials say leaving one’s home vacant for long periods of time can put it at risk for burglaries. Lower Merion’s police department is encouraging residents to use a home alarm, keep lights on timers, make sure mail and packages aren’t piling up outside, and leave a car in the driveway, if possible, when away from home for an extended period of time.
“Make it look like you’re there,” Keenan said.
The Lower Merion Police Department offers programs for residents to help secure their homes. Officers will conduct security inspections around residents’ homes while they’re out of town through the township’s Vacant Home Program. All Lower Merion residents are also eligible for a free home security survey through the Home Security Assessment Program.
The police department has encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior by calling 911.
Inquirer Lower Merion
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