Neighbors on alert after Brier Creek break-ins

Raleigh, N.C. — Neighbors in Raleigh's Brier Creek Country Club community are on alert after at least 11 homes were burglarized in recent months, according to police reports.

Resident Steve Pladna said Sunday that, though most of the crimes remain unsolved, he believes police are doing the best they can do.

"When we first moved here in 2008, there had been a rash of break-ins and then they kind of dissipated. So, I think what happens is areas like this get targeted," Pladna said. "Guys come in and then when it gets too hot to handle, they go somewhere else. Then, in another five years, they'll be back here again."

Police records show the most recent break-in was last Sunday around 4 p.m. The homeowners had gone for a 45-minute walk when the burglars kicked in the screened porch door.

It's hard to identify a pattern because the break-ins have occurred in the morning, afternoon and night, police said. But, in most cases, the burglars break in through the back of the house.

No residents have been home during any of the reported crimes.

Pladna said he's concerned, but not worried.

"I don't worry about it. I can sleep at night – with my alarm on," he said.

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Latest Comments

Look to the 15-23yr old boys in the neighborhood. The most likely age for burglars? 17-19yr old boys. Ask any claims rep for homeowners insurance companies...!

JDAmbrosio
March 19, 2013 2:48 p.m.

They are left on the streets because there is no proof. The citizen has an obligation to protect his own property. You argue back and forth for the next 10 years but any law enforcement officer will tell you the best thing you can do is a security system. Not only will it protect your stuff but your family as well. Law enforcement will also tell you that what is catching most of these people these days is cameras. Been a bunch of thieves caught with nothing more then trail cams hunters use. Open your eyes and look around you. Look at the national economy. Look at the debt. We aint seen nothing yet. This stuff is only going to get worse. You have a president that has divided the country racially, economically, and socially. Pitted the poor against the "rich". This is only the beginning. I'm glad I live WAAAAAAYYYYYY out in the sticks. The cities will suffer greatest.

lighter22
March 19, 2013 12:39 p.m.

"If they know who they are then why do they leave them on the streets to steal our valuables?"

Because "knowing" and "proving" in court are two different things. Cops just don't "leave" crooks on the street. That's what courts do.

Relic
March 19, 2013 11:53 a.m.

If they know who they are then why do they leave them on the streets to steal our valuables?

Gatsby
March 19, 2013 9:00 a.m.

You would be surprised at what local law enforcement actually knows about who is doing what in a community. They know who the players are. They know who is doing the stealing and who is doing the buying. It's part of their job. What will catch these guys is an alarm system and or cameras. Alarms systems are cheap. They have to be caught in the act. If you can afford a single wide you can afford an alarm system. Tiger Direct has a 4 camera setup with DVR and 40' IR(night time capability) for around 250. Not the best cameras in the world but good enough to get a facial on who is kicking your door in. A firearm is a self defense weapon. You aren't going to prevent burglaries with a firearm until they already in progress that is if the dude aint standing over your bed while you sleep. The idea is to take your house out of the easy pickings list. Too many houses without alarms out there. Those are primarily the ones that get hit. The fire part of an alarm system is golden in itself.

lighter22
March 19, 2013 8:16 a.m.