KALAMAZOO -- Most crime statistics are down nationally, statewide and locally but one crime is way up. The number of Burglaries has spiked in recent years and most sociologists blame the economy.
Last night Public Safety offered a seminar on how homeowners can reinforce their castles to make them, if not impregnable, at least unattractive to burglars. Public Safety Officer Gregory Magnon helped organize the presentation for the Vine Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting, and says they may do more, given the crowd they drew last night. He says good lighting, a dog, and fortifying doors with longer screws can all deter burglars.
He says having good neighbors and keeping them informed of when you are going on vacation, and asking them to keep a watch on your house can also help.
County investigators allege that a suspect in a burglary Tuesday morning used his newspaper delivery route to case homes in Texas and Oshtemo Townships. They say when he found houses that belonged to vacationers or snowbirds, he would then come back and rob them.
Fifty-three-year-old Thomas French has only been charged with a breaking and entering on 6th Street early Tuesday morning, but he is suspected in over two dozen similar crimes. He and a 16 year old accomplice were captured when a deputy spotted his car backed up to a temporarily unoccupied home.
