By Mark Bellinger
ALAVILLE, Tenn.- There's a warning from police that thieves are breaking into
homes and targeting rural areas in Rutherford and Williamson County.
In the last week, there have been more than a dozen victims, and police
think the crimes may be connected. The method of operation seems to be the
same. First, the break-ins are happening
during the day. They choose homes next to the road. Someone kicks in a door and the others start
moving property out of the house. When Jeff Fields moved to southwestern
Rutherford County he thought he'd be safe. Fields said, "When I came home the door
was wide open."
Last week that changed. He said,
"And I said, somebody has broken into the house."
Fields said the thieves went room to room and took flat screen TVs, computer
monitors, his coin collection and a gun.
Fields said, "I just, you know I'm on social security now. I
worked hard for what I got, and somebody comes in and steals it." The
frustration and anger is not limited to Fields.
Nearly a dozen homes were burglarized this past week in Rutherford County. Patrick
Vangorder lives in Rockvale. Vangorder
said, "My girlfriend came home and found it. They went through the
back door, and she found the house ransacked. They went through
everything and a bunch of our stuff was gone."
Police believe there is a good chance the same people are committing the
crimes. In each case they've kicked in the door to get in the
house, and they seem to be looking for the same items.
Police have a few leads, and more patrol cars have been seen in the area.
Vangorder said it's comforting to see the extra police, but it doesn't take
away the pain of being a victim. Vangorder said, "Very violated.
Very violated. You know they break into your home. It's supposed to
be a private place for you and your family and they just come in there and take
your stuff."
Fields was worried the burglars will come back. They took one speaker,
but left the other.
Fields said, "I wonder how they would feel if it was stolen from them,
their mother or their kids."
The thieves have also been stealing jewelry. Some of the homes have been wiped out.
In a few cases the thieves have taken 15 or more items. The Rutherford
County Sheriff's Office says the best way you can protect yourself is to keep
doors locked and make it appear someone is at home during the day.
