West Manheim Township Police are urging residents to be alert to "suspicious activity"in the wake of several daytime home burglaries.

A home in the 900 block of Hobart Road was broken into on March 28 and again March 31, Chief Tim Hippensteel said. Both times, cash and coins were stolen.

On April 25, a home in the 2500 block of Black Rock Road was burglarized, the chief said. A large quantity of coins and some jewelry was taken.

The same home was broken into May 2, but nothing was taken, police said. That may be because the resident returned home in time to see a man fleeing into a field behind the home. Officers searched the area but couldn't find the burglar.

In all four break-ins, the burglar got inside by "defeating" door locks, police said.

On May 7 about 9:15 p.m., a home under construction was broken into in the 100 block of Tracey Road by forcing open a locked door, Hippensteel said.

As the owner returned to the house, he found a man hiding in a closet, police said. The man fled the house and ran through a nearby field. Officers responded with a tracking dog, but couldn't find the man, the chief said.

Officers have conducted surveillance and increased patrols in the area, Hippensteel said.

He said residents should securely lock their homes, and to be alert and call 911 if they see anything suspicious.

Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to call township police at 632-7059. Callers may remain anonymous, police said.


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