PLAISTOW — A Partridge Lane resident interrupted a burglary at his own home yesterday.
The resident returned home just after 10 a.m. to find a white Toyota Corolla, with duct tape over the license plates, in his driveway, according to Deputy police Chief Kathleen Jones. When the resident pulled into the driveway, a male driver honked the horn of the Toyota, she said.
The resident, who police are not identifying, approached the car and asked the driver what he was doing, Jones said. The driver said he was looking for Fox Hill Road. There is no Fox Hill Road in Plaistow.
Just then, two other men ran out of the garage, which is attached to the house, Jones said. They got in the car and took off toward Sweet Hill Road.
Two jewelry boxes were reported stolen, police said. The homeowner made a list of all items that were missing from the house, most of which were jewelry, Sgt. Patrick Caggiano said.
The resident had been gone for 20 minutes and had left the door from the garage to his house open, Jones said. He also left the garage door open, she said.
Police are searching for a white, four-door Corolla, believed to be a 2000 model or newer. It doesn't have any stickers or noticeable damage, and is registered in Massachusetts, Jones said.
Although there was duct tape over the license plates, Caggiano said the homeowner believed they were Massachusetts plates.
The driver of the car was described as having a large build and in his mid- to late 30s. He was clean shaven and tan, police said.
One suspect who ran out of the house was 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a large build and a similar complexion to the driver, police said. He was in his late 20s and was wearing a dark sweatshirt and shorts. He also was carrying a backpack.
The third suspect was described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 170 to 180 pounds, with dark hair. He was wearing jeans and carrying a camouflage backpack.
Caggiano said police put the descriptions out to area police departments. They have several leads they are following, he said.
