By Jen Lynds
Staff Writer
HOULTON — No more break-ins have been reported by area homeowners since Christmas after a rash of burglaries over a six-day stretch leading up to the holiday had residents on edge.
While no arrests have been made either, Houlton Police Chief Joe McKenna said Monday, “We have evidence that has been sent off to the Maine State Police crime lab. We are just waiting on the results.”
At least six homes were burglarized a few days before Christmas with the occupants of five homes asleep at the time, according to the chief.
The break-ins unnerved residents, including one woman who said she had started pushing a sofa up against her front door before going to bed because she was afraid the lock wasn’t enough to keep burglars out.
At least one of the burglaries was a scene straight out of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” as one couple awoke to find presents under their tree had been stolen.
Wallets, purses, loose change, cellphones, gift cards and other items were taken from the residences.
Some of the gifts were found outside the one residence after they had been opened and discarded. The thieves were only looking for certain types of items that could be quickly converted into cash, McKenna surmised.
Homes on Alfred, Rodgers, Columbia and South streets, as well as Ridgeview Drive were burglarized.
A search warrant was executed on Dec. 23 at an undisclosed home in Houlton as part of the investigation, according to the chief. He would not identify the street address or homeowner because he said it would compromise the investigation.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call the Houlton Police Department at 532-2287.
