Columbia police investigate burglaries

The Columbia Borough Police Department has responded to
numerous residential home burglaries throughout the Borough. The burglaries appear
to be crimes of opportunity, with the perpetrators entering the homes through unlocked
doors and windows. In the majority of these instances, the the burglaries occurred
in the early evening hours when the occupants were home. Typical items taken to
date are women's purses, cash, firearms, loose change, and other small items such
as digital cameras and GPS devices. These are not isolated incidents, nor are they
occurring in any one specific geographical area. Presently there have been burglaries

in the 600 block of Plane St., South 9th St., 900 Block of Plane St., 100 block. of Chestnut
St., the 1st block of North 4th St., and the 100 block of South 6th St.
The suspects are
very brazen in their actions, and are to be considered armed and dangerous. Under
no circumstances should a resident confront these individuals, please retreat to
safety and call the police immediately As previously mentioned, these are crimes of
opportunity. Keep your doors and windows locked when you are home, and when
you are away. Also do not leave valuables laying around in plain view. Put purses
and valuables away that can be observed through windows and doors.
 We urge any
members of the public having information regarding these burglaries to contact Det.
Matthew Leddy or Sergeant Adam Miller with the Columbia Borough Police Department
at 717-684-7735.