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Break-ins have Westernport residents on high alert
WESTERNPORT - A recent rash of break-ins in Westernport has prompted both the police commissioner and the police department to issue a warning for all residents to keep their doors locked and their eyes open for any suspicious activity.
"If you see anything at all that looks out of the ordinary, pick up the phone and call us," Commissioner Tammy Kady said.
According to Kady, break-ins at homes on Rock and Wood streets resulted in a number of prescription drugs being stolen.
"On Wood Street, they just tore it apart, and all they took was prescription drugs," she said, adding that she feels the subjects breaking into the homes are watching them until they see a chance to enter.
Urging residents to be cautious, Kady said the situation could easily escalate into something a lot worse than stolen drugs.
"One lady was actually asleep the whole time (someone was in her house)," she said. "If she had woke up, God only knows what would have happened."
Sgt. Josh Wengerd said Darvocet, Hydrocodone and Oxycontin were the drugs that came up missing during the break-ins.
"It's definitely somebody that's addicted to painkillers that's doing this," he said.
One resident of Church Street said the recent crime wave has caused a lot of the town's seniors to be afraid to leave their homes for fear of falling victim to someone looking for drugs.
"Right now, I just wouldn't take any chances," Kady said. "The older ones do seem to be the biggest targets. ... Maybe they're more trusting."
Several residents also voiced their opinions that the town's small police force contributes to the growing crime problem.
Wengerd placed part of the blame on the court system.
"We make a lot of arrests in this town, but when they go to court they get slapped on the wrist and let go," he said.
He noted that arrests cause problems for the police force. Because Westernport has no holding cell, the arresting officer must leave Westernport and take the suspect to Cumberland.
"And that leaves us out from under the police umbrella," Mayor Tom Smith added.
Forecasting that the situation "is only going to get worse," Smith said the best thing town residents can do is "look out for each other."
"Be aware, and be responsive," he said. "And call the police officers when you see anything."
Liz Beavers can be reached at lbeavers@times-news.com.
