HOLDEN, Maine — Criminals are breaking into homes in the area and Police Chief Chris Greeley — whose residence was once burglarized — is warning residents to protect their property.
“Residential burglary is one of the easiest crimes to prevent, but also one of the most devastating to experience,” Greeley said in a Tuesday statement. “Once someone has broken into your home, you never feel quite the same way again. I know. Years ago my door got kicked in, and I never again slept well in that residence.”
The Bangor-Brewer area has seen a number of residential burglaries recently, the Holden police chief said, adding that his officers are investigating four.
“In one case a back door was kicked in and cash was taken. In another case, a front door was carded [opened with a credit card] and cash was taken,” Greeley said.
The other two cases involved homes where dead bolts or alarms were not used, he said.
Brewer has experienced “several over the past few weeks but nothing unusual or with any specific pattern,” Jason Moffitt, Brewer public safety director, said Tuesday. Moffitt also advised residents to take precautions.
“You need to make sure the first-floor windows and doors are locked,” Greeley said. “And don’t advertise on social media that you are going on vacation or up to the beach. You can post whatever you want after you get back, don’t tell them in advance. It gives them the opportunity to know you’ll not be at home.”
He suggested residential alarms for people who can afford them, and for others to take other measures that can trick a criminal into thinking a home is more secure.
“Give them the impression you have a dog by getting a ‘beware of dog’ sign,” Greeley said. “Odds are they are not going to attempt it. If you can’t afford an alarm, at least get [alarm company] stickers. They are available and it gives the impression you have an alarm.”
Residents who are leaving for a period of time should also let police know so they can keep an eye on the property.
“We’ll do a property watch of your home,” Greeley said. “My officers will do multiple checks on your home and the officer may even sit in your driveway and do reports.”