East Pikeland police investigate string of thefts, burglaries

By Caroline Sweeney
casweeney@pottsmerc.com 

EAST PIKELAND  - Police are warning residents of a Grinch who is stealing from homes.
In less than 24 hours, two residents reported thefts on Wednesday night in the township, police said.
According to police, a resident reported a theft from the 100 block of Bimful Drive around 8 a.m. Police said tip money was taken from the top of a trash can.
Police said the witness saw a woman exit a white Chevrolet pickup truck take the money.
Around 7:15 p.m. that same day, officers responded to Winslow Drive after a gift card was taken from a mailbox, police said.
After the mail was delivered, police said, the mail box was opened and a $50 gift card was taken.
The resident said the mail was delivered between 1 p.m and 2 p.m. that day.
These two thefts follow two reported business burglaries that occurred on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17.
"We are looking into the burglaries and checking with other municipalities to see if they have had any crimes with the same motive," Police Chief James Franciscus said Thursday.
Franciscus said residents need to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and alert police right away.
"We are utilizing the use of unmarked police cars and officers in plain clothes," Franciscus said.
Police are encouraging residents who want to tip their trash collectors to do so personally. They also warn residents to collect packages off their doors as quickly as possible.
"It seems Mr. Scrooge is still out there trying to steal Christmas," Franciscus said.