Holiday shoppers in Absecon have more to contend with than long lines at their local stores this Thanksgiving week as three times on Monday burglars broke into cars parked at shopping centers here.
"I always thought this was a safe area," said one shopper. "I've never seen anything like that happen before."
"You're out holiday shopping, you aren't thinking about that, right," FOX 29 asked another shopper.
"I wasn't, but now I am," he said.
The string of car break ins started around 2 p.m. Monday afternoon and went on into the night.
First, the burglar hit an Infiniti at a liquor store, smashing the window and ransacking the car. A little later, another car burglary was reported at a TD Bank parking lot, again the window was broken and the car was ransacked. Finally, police say thieves broke into a Jeep in a Rite Aid parking lot and stole several items.
"No valuables in the car, can't leave anything in the open. Leave it in your trunk, under your seat," said shopper Bill Wroble of Absecon.
This mini crime spree is not the type of publicity store owners want to see as the holiday shopping season kicks off.
Store owners and their customers are hoping police make a quick arrest.
"People are just heartless," Sandra Brown said as she headed for her local gym at one shopping center.
Customers parking their cars here were on guard and taking precautions by not leaving anything valuable in their cars.
"We don't really keep valuables in the car," said shopper Bill Denver. "But it's a good idea not to leave anything exposed anyway. My cellphone or whatever."
"I'm gonna be more secure with my car and watch my surroundings," another shopper added.
Investigators are not saying just yet whether they believe the same suspect is responsible for all three break-ins. But the crime scenes are literally all within a quarter mile of each other.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:18:27 GMT
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:02 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:02:59 GMT
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:36:19 GMT
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy." With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy."With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 5:35 PM EDT2013-06-12 21:35:59 GMT
For the neighbors on the 6500 block of Crescentville Road this intersection with Cheltenham Avenue has been a nightmare. So much so, they can't even sit out on their front porches.
For the neighbors on the 6500 block of Crescentville Road this intersection with Cheltenham Avenue has been a nightmare. So much so, they can't even sit out on their front porches.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:45 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:45:53 GMT
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
Monday, June 17 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:41:15 GMT
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
Monday, June 17 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:25:38 GMT
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby. It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby.It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:21:46 GMT
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 00:44:29 GMT
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:55:01 GMT
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:51:37 GMT
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
A string of car break ins started around 2 p.m. Monday afternoon and went on into the night at shopping centers in South Jersey..
