Bricks, Rocks, Pumpkins: Suspects Break Into 16 Cambridge Homes By Any Available Means

Cambridge Police are investigating more than a dozen reported break-ins, including eight in the past week alone, in which the suspect or suspects used "bricks, rocks and event a pumpkin" to get into houses.

Police say targeted homes were in the Cambridgeport, West Cambridge and Wellington-Harrington neighborhoods.

Since early November, there have been 16 break-ins (including one attempted) in that area, primarily between the early morning hours of 4 and 5:30 a.m.

"Of the 16 housebreaks, 11 involved a suspect or suspects using bricks, rocks and even a pumpkin to gain access to homes," Cambridge Police said. "Four break-ins occurred as a result of residents leaving their door(s) unlocked."

Eight of those 16 incidents happened in the last week alone, police said, and laptops left within sight of windows were the most common targets.

Police have a complete, street-by-street and date-by-date breakdown of the break-ins here.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Criminal Investigations Steven DeMarco, “This is an unusual pattern that we are monitoring closely, directing extra attention to these areas and committing resources to as part of an active investigation."

"We strongly encourage residents to always lock their doors and windows and to conceal valuables from sight, as the primary target of these early morning break-ins have been laptops next to windows. If you notice any unusual activity, please contact the police," he said in a press release.

Cambridge Police also listed additional precautions for residents:

• ALWAYS lock your doors and windows at your residence, particularly your basement door(s) and don’t forget about those that can be accessed by a fire escape.
• Install guards on windows that prevent them from being raised more than a few inches.
• NEVER prop open a door or let someone in behind you if you live in an apartment building, particularly if you don’t know them.
• Install motion sensor lights around your home and out of reach.
• If you see something, say something. It is critically important for residents to report any crime or activity that may appear to be suspicious.

Image via CPD