Burglaries on rise in The County

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Are burglaries on the rise in Aroostook County?
    Data presented by the Maine State Police certainly seems to indicate that fact. According to John Cote, acting lieutenant of Troop F in Houlton, the number of burglary cases reported to the Maine State Police during the first eight months of the year (January to August) were more than double during the same time period in 2011.
    Cote said there were 75 reported cases of burglaries from January to August of this year, as opposed to 35 cases during the same eight-month period in 2011.
    Aroostook County Sheriff James Madore said while his department has seen a spike in burglaries; the increase is not as significant as it is for the Maine State Police.
    “Our numbers have not doubled, however, we have seen roughly a 20-30 percent increase,” he said. “State Police have more people working than we do, so it would stand to reason that more complaints would be covered by (the State Police) rather than the Sheriff’s Office.”
    “The nature (of cases) appears to be the same,” Cote said. “Most appear to be looking for cash, jewelry, prescription medicines or electronics that can be quickly sold or pawned for cash.”
    Cote added the percentage of residential burglaries appears to be the same, while businesses are targeted for tools, metal or other items that can also be resold.
    “We are not seeing an increase in forced entry and still encourage people to lock their homes and outbuildings when they are not home,” he said.
    Cote offered the following suggestions for individuals to protect themselves from the threat of burglaries.
    “Being aware of your surroundings and the activity in their neighborhood is a good habit to get into,” he said. “Do you see an unfamiliar vehicle in the area? Record the plate number and other details in case they are needed later.”
    Many breaks are occurring during the day, while people are at work or school. Cote stressed locking your home, vehicle, or shed was a good way to deter thieves.
    He also suggested people should record information about their property, such as the serial numbers to their bigger items such as flat screen televisions, gaming consoles and computers.
    “Also take time to mark your tools or other similar items so they can be identified later if the need arises,” he said. “A common tactic is for offenders to knock on a door of a residence during the day to see if someone is home.  If they get no response, they may try to enter the home and steal items. If someone comes to the door, the person asks for directions or comes up with some other excuse why they are knocking. Citizens should take note of a vehicle and plate number in those instances in case it is needed later.”
    Individuals wishing to report a crime can contact the Maine State Police at 532-4000 or the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department at 532-3471 or by dialing 9-1-1.