Four Derby Home Burglaries in Two Days

November 02, 2009

By Kim Hynes (DERBY, Kan.)

Four home burglaries in two days. Now, Derby police are warning residents to be watchful of suspicious activity. The burglaries happened last week, all early in the morning shortly after residents left their house.

The first happened in the 1700 block of N. Woodlawn. Burglars got in through the garage and ransacked the house. They then left in the homeowners 2002 Blazer. Jerry Sander's who lives a few doors down says everyone in the neighborhood keeps an eye on things, but no one saw the break-in. "It gives me some concern, it could happen to me," Sander's said.

Location of First Burglary

Police are concerned. It's unusual to have so many home burglaries in such a short amount of time. They think burglars are watching neighborhoods and targeting homes once residents leave. "If you see someone hanging around that doesn't belong there, give us a call," said Captain Doug Chambers.

Three of the four burglaries happened within a mile of each other, two on 1300 block of Prairie Lane. The fourth was in the 1400 block of east Kay Street. Once inside, police say they went after electronics, jewelry and guns.

Location of Additional Burglaries

"I noticed men running around the sides of their house carrying stuff," said Nathan Smith. That's when he realized someone was robbing his neighbor, so he called 911. "They were wearing ski masks and long sleeved shirts." So he couldn't get a good descriptions. Now police are hoping other watchful neighbors will help them find the burglars targeting Derby.

Derby police are investigating whether two burglars arrested in Wichita Monday are connected in their cases. There were four home burglaries in west Wichita Monday. Police arrested two men in their late teens or early 20's later in the day.

If you have information, you're asked to call CrimeStoppers at (316) 788-TIPS (8477).

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