Eugene Police are warning people whose homes are unoccupied to take measures to prevent theft. Two suspects are facing burglary charges following a multi-week crime spree targeting homes that were listed for sale or in foreclosure.
The two men were recently arrested for stealing thousands of dollars worth of appliances and furniture from numerous empty homes. Debbie Janecek is with EPD's Crime Prevention Unit:
Janecek: "They used downloaded phone apps to help them target some properties and then they would go to those properties and they would case them. So they would look inside windows. And oftentimes the actual burglaries would occur during the daytime."
Janecek says EPD is reaching out to realtors and home-sellers advising them to make their houses appear occupied. Leave indoor lights on timers, keep shades drawn, even leave the radio on. Janecek says this is a good policy when going out of town as well. The other key is to communicate with trusted neighbors.
Janecek: "Letting them know what to expect so that if they do see some activity that's outside of that, they can contact you or they can contact us."
Janecek says the burglary suspects had been confronted by neighbors and gave explanations that seemed legitimate.
Eugene Police non-emergency phone # 541-682-5111.
Copyright 2013 KLCC
