Neighbors on Everit Street in New Haven are concerned about crime after reports of at least five home and car break-ins in recent days and police are urging residents to take measures to protect their possession.
Thieves broke into the home of Richard Prum, a Yale professor, and stole two laptops, a briefcase and a PlayStation.
"It was a no-effort entry," Prum said "Because of suddenly warm weather, one of the kids had opened up the screen door to the back porch."
On Tuesday morning, he and his wife noticed that possessions were missing.
"Obviously it feels like a violation to have somebody come into your home and take things," he said.
Prum was not the only person whose privacy was violated. There have been several car break-ins and multiple bikes were stolen from Everit Street on Monday night.
There have been at least five thefts in two days, in addition to a garage break-in on Willow Street, according to SOHU, or the South of Humprey Block Watch.
"I grew up in the country where nobody ever locks their door," John Mackay, a Yale professor, said.
Officials said the recent break-ins have happened because car and house doors were left unlocked.
"Generally, the area is very safe so I feel comfortable here as a resident," said Michael Palmieri, who keeps his car in a garage and has constant surveillance over his home. "If anyone plans on coming around here, I'm going to know who's doing something."
These recent incidents happened as New Haven Police tracked down two suspects in two recent home invasions.
Prum is just thankful nobody was hurt.
"We just have to be careful. Most of the house is pretty secure. We just goofed on a door at night," Prum said.
With the nicer weather, police urge residents to lock up at night to make homes less appealing to robbers.
Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com
