Deer Park Residents On Alert After Recent String Of Burglaries

DEER PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A recent crime spree has residents in one Long Island town on edge.

Suffolk County Police said there have been at least eight burglaries in Deer Park since the beginning of October.

The most recent incident happened Monday afternoon on Sammis Avenue.

Homes have also been hit on Eastwood Avenue, West 22nd Street, West 15th Street, West 3rd Street and West 8th Street.

In each case, police said the thief has broken into an unoccupied home through an open door or window during the day and stolen small valuable items that can be easily hidden in pockets, such as jewelry, money and checks.

Victim Jimmy Seplady said a thief broke into his home on Somerset Place through a window and stole a safe filled with valuables on Nov. 6.

"I went down to the basement — that's where I had it — and all of a sudden it wasn't there," Seplady said.

The longtime resident says he is now adding extra sensors to his home security system.

Although the break-ins are similar, police are still investigating whether the burglaries are connected.

With residents on edge, police have vowed to increase patrols in the area.

Investigators stress despite the apparent rise in crime, burglaries are down 16 percent overall in Deer Park in the last year.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories: