LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — A township burglary investigation has provided police with DNA hits and can be linked to another case “up in the Northeast,” according to Police Chief Thomas Barndt.
At the Dec. 20 township council meeting, Barndt said similar burglaries have been occurring up and down the East Coast.
He referenced specific cases in Lower Merion and Abington, Montgomery County; Bensalem, Bucks County; and “all the way up the line to New Hampshire.”
“They’re looking for a quick hit, and then they get out. And they don’t care if there’s an alarm on.”Lower Saucon Twp. Police Chief Thomas Barndt
Barndt mentioned an alleged “Chilean burglary ring,” suspected to have targeted neighborhoods outside of Philadelphia and beyond, has shown similar tactics in other cases around the state.
The chief said the alleged burglars have been known to target a home between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., heading to the rear of the house to smash a window or door to gain entry.
“They’re looking for a quick hit, and then they get out,” Barndt said. “And they don’t care if there’s an alarm on.”
'I'm hoping it's one and done'
The township investigation centers on a break-in that occurred at a home Dec. 18 in the 1600 block of White Acre Drive
“Police were dispatched for an alarm activation and while checking the exterior of the home discovered that unknown actor(s) forced entry into the home,” a Dec. 21 Crimewatch post reads. “At this time it is unknown if anything was taken.”
Barndt suggested residents buy security cameras, register the devices with the police department and set them up around their properties.
The burglary had some similar qualities compared to a case from last holiday season, the chief said.
“I’m hoping it’s one and done,” Barndt said. “But if you see something, please call us.
“It’s not a burden to us. That’s why we’re here, and we’re here 24/7.”
Those with relevant information are encouraged to contact Det. Eric Marth at 610-625-8722 or emarth@lowersaucontownship.org. There's also a Crimewatch Tipline available.
Council Vice President Mark Inglis said for residents to not hesitate to contact law enforcement in suspicious cases, even if it’s something as simple as a vehicle in the neighborhood that seems out of place.
Plaza Azteca, a township restaurant along Route 378, was broken into on Dec. 6. The still-at-large suspect stole $9,000, police said.
