Swampscott residents on edge after break-ins

SWAMPSCOTT – Swampscott Police are advising residents to be vigilant in the wake of three daytime break-ins at local homes during the past week.”We’re trying to get the word out,” said Police Detective Ted Delano. “We encourage residents that if you see anything suspicious, don’t be afraid to call.”The break-ins have hit homes in the neighborhood between Paradise Road and lower Humphrey Street, and along Greenwood Avenue and Forest Avenue, according to a press release from the department. The thief or thieves are looking for electronics and jewelry.All of the break-ins occurred while residents were not at home and police said sometimes the thieves will ring doorbells to see if the homes are empty. They’ve been breaking into the homes by smashing windows or forcing windows open, the release said.Delano said that there are currently no suspects in the break-ins, but the investigation is ongoing and police are pursuing leads. He recommended that people photograph jewelry and write down the serial numbers of valuable electronics to aid in recovery should any items be stolen. He also suggested that people leave the television, a radio, or a light on when they leave the house.David Covino lives across the street from one of the homes on Forest Avenue where a break-in was reported.He had not heard about the break-ins, but had seen police outside his neighbor’s home Wednesday and wondered what was happening. He said that he was not surprised that the neighborhood was targeted because many of the residents are away at work during the day.”No one else is around here, but they won’t rob this place,” he said.He mentioned that he had seen two unfamiliar women in a car looking at houses a few days earlier and said he would call the police to let them know.Saul Fisher did not know about the recent break-ins, but wasn’t surprised. He said that break-ins occur about once a year.Kyle Barden said that he had heard his parents mention the break-ins, but he wasn’t changing his routine.”I always lock the doors anyways,” he said, adding that the neighborhood was pretty vigilant after a spate of car break-ins last year. “If there’s someone around here still, they’re foolish.”According to resident Mark Carnevale, the word on the street echoes Barden’s assessment of the suspected burglars.”I just heard about it yesterday,” he said. “I’m assuming it’s not professionals. I heard they took jewelry, but not all of the electronics, which I would think would be easier to sell.”Maura Sutherland was more concerned with the news. She said that she hadn’t heard about the break-ins and was surprised at the brazenness of thieves entering homes in the daytime.”It sounds like people are just getting more aggressive,” Sutherland said.