FARMINGTON–Residents in Farmington are banding together to combat a recent string of burglaries in a typically quiet neighborhood.
Several break-ins have been reported in the past few weeks in the Highlands neighborhood in Farmington, which is made up of around 380 homes on streets located off Route 4.
“We’re in a big neighborhood, a lot of houses close together. If it’s happening on our streets and other streets, it makes it look like a target,” said Sarah Gother, a Highlands resident.
Over the past few weeks, burglaries have been reported here, with prized possessions, such as jewelry, reported stolen.
Many of the break-ins have happened during the day, according to neighbors. “This is very unnerving to know something is going on during the day and if someone is watching your house wondering when you’re leaving and if there’s something that’s going to happen when you’re gone,” said Brenda Gothers.
Many people living in the neighborhood have requested a meeting with police.
Meanwhile, the Farmington Police Department has already stepped up patrols in the neighborhood. “The spikes that we’re seeing–right now there’s no explanation for it,” said Lt. Colin Ryan, the Farmington Police spokesman. Lt. Ryan says despite this recent rash, the number of burglaries in 2014 is expected to be on par with previous years.
Police say the department investigates all burglary reports in town, and say there are things residents can do to prevent burglaries from happening. “If you’re going to be going away, keep a light on or something. If you have a trusted neighbor, somebody to watch your house–that always helps,” said Lt. Ryan.
Regardless, many living in the neighborhood remain on high alert. Some neighbors are refusing to go out during the day.
One neighbor was having a home security system upgraded.
David and Cathy Bradford have lived on Highwood Road since 1995, and say these recent events have put them on alert. “You’re more aware of what’s going on in the neighborhood, so you’re watching what’s happening and to see are their strangers or other things that don’t look normal?” Bradford said.
Community prevention officers will meet with residents and provide more burglary prevention tips at a meeting on 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Farmington Police Department.
