South-End Burglary Spree Still Under Investigation

Ocean City police are still investigating a string of November thefts at 18 different homes on the south end of the island.

Burglars smashed in the doors of unoccupied homes and, in each case, stole one thing: a flat-screen television. Nothing else of value was stolen, Ocean City Police Lt. Steven K. Ang said in a statement.

Police warn homeowners to take precautions as the thieves may try to continue their work.

Most of the thefts happened south of 40th Street along Central and Asbury avenues, an area of the island dominated by seasonal homes empty in the off-season.

Because many homeowners live elsewhere in the winter, police are going door to door to look for similar crimes. They ask homeowners to check their properties regularly.

The thieves are targeting clusters of homes and likely working at night–based on evidence that they are using some sort of instrument to stove in wooden door frames, an effort likely too noisy to go unnoticed in the daytime, according to Ang.

Steel door frames and alarm systems are potential deterrents, Ang said. Police also suggest placing all valuable property out of the sight lines from windows and doors.

Police continue their investigation and are increasing patrols in the area, in addition to conducting their property checks. They ask anyone noticing suspicious vehicles or activities to call 911. Anybody with nonemergency information should call 609-399-9111 and ask for the detective bureau.