Rye police searching for burglar who broke into senior housing apartments
RYE, New York (WABC) -- Police in Rye are looking for the burglar who broke into two apartments in a senior housing building.
The break-ins were reported at Vienna Senior Housing on Theodore Fremd Avenue on April 9. It happened sometime between 8 and 10 p.m.
Officials say the suspects got in through rear unlocked windows and a 4-foot step ladder was recovered at the scene.
Security camera from 77-year-old Palma Farley's second-floor apartment caught a suspect inside wearing gloves and a face mask.
She says it happened a week ago but she is still having trouble falling asleep each night.
"I live in fear, I don't care if there's locks on the windows, I have been violated," Farley said.
Police say there are simple steps to take to keep your home safe from burglars. Make sure to lock doors and windows, remove keys from locks and out of reach of windows and doors.
Police say the burglary fits into a pattern of break-ins that started early last month with similar incidents in Hastings, the Village of Mamaroneck, Greenwich and the one in Rye.
Investigators aren't sure if two other robberies in Larchmont and the Town of Mamaroneck are part of the pattern.
Farley's video has proven to be a critical piece of evidence.
"That's been extremely helpful, like I said, it is an ongoing investigation so we don't want to give out too much, however that video is going to be paramount in our investigation as we work with different jurisdictions," said Rye Police Department Det. Chris Salguero.
The thief didn't get much from the Farley apartment -- some cosmetic jewelry and four pairs of pricey designer sunglasses which he shoved into a pillowcase on his way out the door.
Investigators are following several leads and hope to have a suspect in custody soon.
"I want to see him go to court, I want to look at this loser, cause that's what he is, right in the face and say 'you came in to my apartment,'" Farley said.
If you are away, leave lights on and close curtains and consider installing security cameras or a burglar alarm.
Police urge anyone with information to report it to the Rye Police Department at (914) 967-1234.
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