string of burglaries

By MICHELLE WILSON

Staff Writer

The Troy Police Department is actively investigating a string of burglaries at area businesses and residences, but they have not yet made any arrests in the incidents.

Officers with the Ttroy Police Department responded at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to a reported burglary at Family Eye Center on South George Wallace Drive, said Sgt. Benny Scarbrough, TPD public information officer. An undisclosed amount of cash money was taken.

Police are actively investigating the incident and have a suspect but do not yet know his name, he said.

"This is not an isolated incident," Scarbrough said. "This individual or individuals may be responsible for several other property crimes committed in Troy."

Over the weekend, police received reports of "a couple" of burglaries at area residents where electronics were allegedly taken, Scarbrough said.

Police received two reports of unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle Wednesday night. At Buffalo’s restaurant, personal items, credit cards and a compact disc player were reportedly taken from a car parked there at about 9 p.m., Scarbrough said.

A vehicle parked on Elm Street was also burglarized.

Property crimes like these are the most common category of crimes, both nationally and in Troy, Scarbrough said. Although many property crimes have been reported lately, he said the number is no more than what is usual.

Police have been asked by some citizens to increase patrols in their neighborhoods in light of the string of burglaries. Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage said police will increase patrols in an area if they are asked.

"Anyone who sees anything suspicious in their neighborhoods should report it to police," Everage said.

Anyone with information about the property crimes should report them to the police by calling 566-0500 or the Secret Witness Line at 566-5555.