Monroe police searching for pillowcase burglar

Monroe - Monroe Police are investigating a residential burglary and two attempted burglaries at in the Country Club Estates section of town since Aug. 1. Each incident took place during the early evening when no one was at home. The entry or attempted entries were made at the rear of the homes by prying open the locks on sliding glass doors. Jewelry and cash were taken from one residence. Also reported missing were pillowcases. Police said they believe the burglar or burglars apparently used them to carry out their proceeds. Police said the suspects did not enter the two other houses because they either saw an alarm system or were scared off by some other reason. There have been similar burglaries recently in the towns of Woodbury and Blooming Grove, police said. The three agencies are comparing notes in their efforts to identify the suspects and recover stolen property. Monroe Police are asking residents to immediately report suspicious people, vehicles or activity they see in their neighborhoods. Suspicious activity can be anything from hearing strange noises to seeing people where they don't belong. Monroe Police are asking that anyone with information about these burglaries to call police at 782-8644 or the TIPS line at 492-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential. Tips for preventing a burglary: • Have an alarm installed and use it every time you leave your house. • Install deadbolt locks on all entry doors. • Lock all windows in the residence, not just the ground floor. • Leave a few lights and a radio or TV on to appear that you are home when you are not. • Install outdoor motion lights - install them on all sides of the house at a height that someone from the ground can't reach up and unscrew the bulbs. • Install an additional locking device on sliding glass doors. • Keep all valuables in a safe which is hidden and secured to the structure. Source: Monroe Police Department