The following information comes from Lt. Joseph Friel of the Evesham Township Police Department:
A 54-year-old Philadelphia man was arrested on Dec. 11 in connection with 10 residential burglaries in the Woodview at Marlton Apartments during the past 13 months.
The investigation began in November of 2013, when a burglary was discovered in the 200 block of Pavonia Circle. Investigators noticed the same method of operation for the other nine subsequent burglaries in the neighborhood. The suspect in these burglaries targeted apartments Monday through Friday during daytime working hours. The suspect made entry through front doors using a lock picking technique for opening a tumbler lock using a specially crafted “bump key”.
A male is being held on $220,000 bail in the Burlington County jail on 10 counts of residential burglary and 19 counts of theft. A gun, jewelry, clothing and electronics were among the items he is charged with stealing.
The National Crime Prevention Council suggests that homeowners install high-quality locks. Not all locks can be bumped; consumers just need to know the difference. Consumers should consider using high-quality security locks for their home or business in order to have adequate protection from bumping and other forms of lock attacks.
The Evesham Police Department would like to remind all citizens to contact the department immediately upon observing suspicious activity. The department can be contacted at (856) 983–1116, the confidential tip line at (856) 983–4699 or email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips text ETPDTIP to 847411.
