‘Brazen’ burglary has Swampscott on edge

SWAMPSCOTT – Robbers in Swampscott are no longer waiting for homeowners to leave before they break into their homes.Someone robbed a Nason Road home early Thursday morning while its occupants were home asleep.”This is very brazen,” Detective Sgt. Timothy Cassidy said. “It certainly ups the ante when someone is home. It’s very scary and there is always a possibility someone will get hurt.”Cassidy said numerous items were stolen from the Nason Road home, including a laptop, Xbox, cell phone, purse and wallet.”One of the stolen credit cards was used at approximately 3 a.m. at an area business,” Cassidy said. “We think the suspect entered the house about 2:30 a.m.”Officers Jay Locke and Todd Nottingham responded to the scene, along with Sgt. Joseph Kable.Cassidy said detectives were also notified and Detective James Schultz is heading up the investigation.Police recovered forensic evidence at the scene and sent it to the state crime lab for testing, but he declined to comment on what evidence was found.Cassidy believes this could be connected to other recent cases.”Last month on Roy Street a home was entered while the occupants were sleeping,” Cassidy said. “The rear door was unlocked and a purse and wallet were taken off the table.”Cassidy said there was an incident in Marblehead a couple of months ago that was very similar to the two Swampscott robberies.Marblehead Police Chief Robert Picariello said on Nov. 2 at approximately 1:30 a.m. an intruder entered a home on Londonderry Road through an unlocked side door on the attached garage.But the car alarm sounded and woke the resident. The suspect is described as a male in his mid-20s, average height and slim build.He was wearing jeans, a beige Carhardt jacket, hooded sweatshirt, hat and work boots.Cassidy urged residents to keep their doors and windows locked and to notify police if they see any suspicious activity.”We’re not in Mayberry anymore,” Cassidy said. “People have to lock their homes and vehicles.”Cassidy said if anyone suspects an intruder is in their home, they should immediately call 911.”People should also scream as loud as they can,” he said. “That could scare the burglar away, but a resident should not confront the invader.”Anyone with any information is asked to call the Swampscott Police at 781-595-1111.Anonymous tips can be sent by text message to “CRIMES” or 274637 and enter the keyword “SPD” before the actual text message.