Athens Sees Rash Of Rear-Door Break-Ins

Four break-ins in a neighborhood prompted police to warn homeowners, CrimeTracker 10's Angela An reported on Monday.

According to police, the Near East neighborhood of Athens has been the target of the break-ins, which started last week.

"We got the call here on the 22nd of January, residential burglary, back door kicked in and items taken from the house," Athens police Lt. Adam Claar said.

Three more burglaries were reported in the days that followed, and all of them involved kicked-in back doors, An reported.

Claar said that many of the burglaries happened during the day and some within minutes of homeowners leaving their homes.

"It is a small window," Claar said. "It is a small window, could be someone watching, people leaving. I don't think it's just a crime of opportunity."

Police said that they have tried to patrol the area more often but said that residents could do their part in protecting themselves and their homes.

"Continue to be vigilant,' Claar said. "Keep an eye out for anyone suspicious in the area, and report it immediately."

Athens police said that they were not sure if the break-ins were connected, but did say that the City of Nelsonville nearby had reported similar cases of burglars who entered through rear doors.

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