HOULTON, Maine — A Maine State Police tracking dog was called into duty in Houlton on Tuesday to see if it could help find a brazen, Grinch-like thief or thieves who have been breaking into area homes, sometimes while people are asleep, and stealing cash and Christmas gifts.
Five residences were burglarized between midnight and 4 a.m. Friday, while the occupants of all five homes were asleep, according to Houlton Police Chief Joe McKenna.
At least one of the home burglaries was a scene straight out of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as one couple awoke to find presents under their tree had been stolen.
Another home was targeted on Monday evening while the residents were in, but the burglars apparently were scared off before they could find anything of value, according to McKenna.
“Going into occupied homes is pretty brazen,” the chief said.
Wallets, purses, loose change, cellphones, gift cards and in one case, Christmas gifts were taken from the homes. The gifts were located outside the one residence after they had been opened. Some of the gifts were found discarded after they had been opened as the thieves were only looking for certain types of items that could be quickly converted into cash, McKenna surmised.
Homes on Alfred, Rodgers, Columbia and South streets, as well as Ridgeview Drive were burglarized.
“With the exception of one of these cases, the individuals targeted homes with attached garages,” McKenna said. “They pried open the garage door and entered the home through an unsecured door leading from the garage.”
Other residences showed signs of attempted break-ins, but the burglars were not successful. The total combined value of the items stolen was about $1,000.
While most of his officers were working Tuesday on investigations related to the burglaries, the Maine State Police K-9 Unit also was called in to track the subjects. Police were able to follow a trail, but the scent was lost, indicating that the subjects likely got into a vehicle at some point, McKenna said.
The chief suggested residents should install deadbolt locks on their exterior doors in an effort to deter burglars.
“Given that this is the holiday season, I would also suggest that you keep your window blinds closed and try not to keep any valuables in sight of your windows and doors,” McKenna said. “If you hear any strange noises during the night or see something that just doesn’t seem right, please call us right away.”
The chief said that what is most worrying about the burglaries is that “they are happening when people are home. … It is quite frightening.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Houlton Police Department at 532-2287.
Houlton Pioneer Times writer Joe Cyr contributed to this report.