Burglaries in Ahwatukee remind us all to be more vigilant – Ahwatukee Foothills News: Tukee Talk
A small string of burglaries in the Club West area just beforeChristmas have some neighbors worried, but it just proves that evenAhwatukee Foothills isn’t completely quiet.
In my short time covering crime in Ahwatukee I’ve realized it’srare. I’m not saying it never happens, it just usually doesn’thappen enough for word to get around to the local newspaper.
But this month I did hear about some crime in the area. Neighborssay at least three burglaries have happened in the Reserve and ClubWest in the week or two just before Christmas. Robert’s home wasone of them. Robert wished to have his last name withheld forsafety purposes.
While he was away at work the glass door to his backyard wasshattered and burglars made away with TVs, iPads and anything elsethey could grab quickly.
“I would just tell people to write down serial numbers and keeptrack of things,” Robert said. “There are some evil people outthere, especially this time of year. They took presents from myson. It’s just very disheartening.”
Robert has since replaced his door and purchased an alarm system.He says he moved to Ahwatukee after his home was burglarized inanother part of Phoenix. For it to happen again is verytroubling.
Phoenix Police say they have no leads or immediate follow-up on whomight be responsible. There were no license plates, witnessstatements or anything else to help identify the suspects.
Neighbors have told me the homes that were targeted backed up tothe desert and were near neighborhood mail boxes so stopped carsmight not have looked suspicious. I’ve also been told about a pairof men who were in the neighborhood recently claiming to sellcleaning supplies who seemed suspicious.
“A friend of mine was home when they came over and they said theywere selling something but they just sort of forced their way intothe home and starting asking strange questions,” said Rene Roberts,a neighbor in Club West. “They asked if she had a husband and stufflike that. she asked for a brochure and they said they were out.she pulled out her big Doberman and they made themselves scarce butit was very strange.”
Any suspicious cars or salesmen should be reported to Crime stop at(602) 262-6151. if the suspicious salesmen are still in the area orare refusing to leave, call 911.
A Phoenix burglary detective says there is no traceable increase inproperty crimes during the holidays in Ahwatukee but Phoenix Policedid release some holiday safety tips back in November.
Phoenix Police say people often leave homes unsecured as visitorsare coming and going but it’s important to be vigilant aboutclosing windows and doors whenever you are away or evenasleep.
Avoid leaving any empty wrappings outside the home.
“This seemingly harmless action tells would-be criminals what yougot for Christmas and they just might be encouraged to break in andtake your holiday cheer,” a statement from phoenix Police said.”Rubbish should be placed outside no sooner than the evening beforepick up, and preferably the morning of.”
Police also warn to be wary of strange solicitors or utility andother business employees. Do not open your door to anyone who isunscheduled.
For more information about the Phoenix Police Department, servicesand programs visit phoenix.gov/police.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-7914
