Burglaries in Borough Up Over Last Year

Burglaries in Doylestown Borough have doubled over last year, according to information from the borough police department. 

But Police Chief James Donnelly said the number of burglaries this year—21 so far—is not out of the average range of 30 to 35 each year. In 2012, there were 10 burglaries. 

Donnelly said burglaries often come in batches.

“We have periods where we have a lot,” he said, and other times where there are no burglaries for a while.

Donnelly said most likely the burglaries are related to drugs, and the need for the thief to gain quick access to cash.  “The things they are stealing, electronic devices, are targets,” he said. Those devices can be turned around quickly for cash, Donnelly added. 

Late last month, two burglaries were reported in the borough.

According to Doylestown Borough Police, more than $24,000 worth of guns, jewelry, cash, cameras and personal documents from a West Oakland Ave residence sometime last month. 

An apartment on the 200 block of N. West Street was also burglarized recently. Police said it appeared the thief broke the lock on the main door and took approximately $400 from a lock box as well as an iPod.

Donnelly said there are steps residents can take to prevent themselves from being the next victim. 

First, residents should write down the serial numbers for all electronic devices they own. That way, if it is stolen, “we can track it easier,” he said. 

Additionally, residents should keep their doors locked and outside lights on. If you are going away, notify the police by calling 215-354-4143 so that officers can do drive-by checks while you are out of town. 

If anyone has any information regarding the recent burglaries, they should contact the borough police’s detectives unit at 215-345-4143. 

“The assistance of the public would be greatly appreciated,” Donnelly said.