Here's hoping the Lawrence Police Department can have the same success fighting burglaries that they have had against auto insurance fraud.
House breaks are up in Lawrence by nearly one-third over last year, an increase that police attribute to a combination of drug abuse, a downturn in the economy and the arrival of summer. There were 35 break-ins reported in Lawrence in June 2007. This June, the number was 45.
Police say most of these burglaries occur during the daytime, while people are away at work, or while they are on vacation. Most involve forced entry, such as kicking in a door or pushing in an air conditioning unit to get through the window. Thieves are looking for items they can grab fast, carry away and quickly turn into cash by pawning or selling.
Lawrence Police have formed the Burglary Apprehension Team, or BAT. The team of three patrolmen and a detective will respond after a burglary is reported to interview the victims and neighbors, seeking common elements with other crimes. The goal is to compile enough information to lead to arrests.
While these criminals may only be looking to grab some quick loot, burglaries have a high potential to turn worse very quickly. A burglar expecting to find an empty house might encounter people at home, and injuries or death could result. Even if the burglar gets in and out without encountering anyone, the property loss and sense of violation is considerable. These crimes destroy our sense of well-being and safety. Those who commit them deserve to be caught and punished.
Lawrence Police have shown that focusing attention on a particular type of crime can have tremendous results. The department's Auto Fraud Task Force has done great work reducing insurance fraud and lowering car insurance premiums for everyone.
The first step in fighting crime is the will to say, "This will no longer be tolerated." Lawrence has taken that first step in fighting burglaries. We wish the Police Department success in their effort.
