BREAK-IN BANDITS CONTINUE TO STRIKE SPENCER NEIGHBORHOOD

(08/15/2011)
Reported by Kristin Keeling
wchstv.com

A quiet neighborhood in Spencer has turned into a hot spot for some uninvited visitors.

"All of a sudden this particular corner of the world seems to be getting hit by a rash of them," says neighbor Tim Warner.

Tim Warner is talking about a rash of home break-ins on both Third Street and Prospect Street. The people behind it all are stripping away cars, cash, and electronics. But worst yet, the neighbors' piece of mind.

"We use to lock our front door but not our back door or the side door. And now before we go to bed all the doors are locked, the cars are locked up, windows are up, and it's just the world you live in right now," explains Warner.

Across the street from Warner lives a school teacher, Rachelle Ochoa and her family. The thieves broke into her home through the garage door and ransacked the place while her son and daughter were asleep. They even stole her daughter's car right out of the driveway.

"I would hate to feel like or hate to find out that it was a student that I've had in class," says Ochoa.

Tonight, a street is forced to lock up and keep the lights on. But these neighbors have a little message of their own for those breaking in.

"It's not just a silly little, I'm going to break into your car and break a window. You came into my house," explains Ochoa.

"A home is a major investment whether you rent it or buy it...you're still paying for it, you're upkeeping it. You know, stay out of them! And find something constructive to do with your time," explains Warner.

If you have any information on the break-ins, call Spencer Police at 304-927-2392.

wchstv.com