String of thefts and burglaries reported
Toolbox
By Thatcher Moats Times Argus Staff - Published: March 6, 2009
MIDDLESEX — A slight uptick in burglaries and thefts in Washington County might be an early sign of spring, according to a state police lieutenant.
There were separate theft and burglary incidents in Middlesex last month and an attempted burglary at Mac's Market in Warren. There was a burglary in East Montpelier about two weeks ago, and yesterday, state police reported two larcenies from motor vehicles in Calais, along with a burglary in Cabot.
"They're kind of sprinkled all over," said state police Lt. Paul White, the commander of the Middlesex Barracks. "We typically get a rash of these in the springtime. This seems a little early, but we do see it every year."
On Wednesday, 42-year-old Bonnie Bellevance's home in Cabot was entered sometime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and items were stolen, police said. Entry was made through an unlocked door, police said.
In Calais, items were stolen from unlocked vehicles that were at different locations. Police said Renne Ancel, 33, and Don Heise, 61, were the victims in those incidents, which took place Wednesday night or Thursday morning. One citizen reported seeing an "older, large white sedan" in the area of the thefts late Wednesday evening, police said.
Trooper Ray LeBlanc, who is investigating the incidents in Cabot and Calais, did not name the items stolen because he said knowledge of the items is how he determines who knows about the incidents. But he classified the property as "minor stuff."
Thieves and burglars typically take whatever they can find, which often means electronics, LeBlanc said. White added that jewelry and loose change is a common target.
Police haven't found a pattern in the recent incidents, White said. But he did note that in some cases, burglars entered through unlocked doors or windows.
"We always encourage people to secure your homes," he said. "You don't need to be fanatical…but simple things like locking doors and windows can keep a casual burglar out."
Anyone with information is asked to contact trooper Ray LeBlanc at 229-9191 or Central Vermont Crime Stoppers at 800-529-9998.
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