Break-ins worry Springfield residents

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Residents of Springfield are keeping their eyes open for suspicious activity after four separate home break-ins, just hours apart.

7:30 Saturday night, there was a break-in on Slater Avenue. At 8:00 PM, one on Candace Circle. 8:30, one on Denver Street, and then 11:30, on Atwater Terrace. Nobody was hurt in any of the break-ins, but neighbors told 22News it makes them uneasy.

“It does concern me,” said Jared Barklow. “It's a great city but with all these break-ins you have to be concerned about the older people.”

Springfield Police told 22News they're following a lead; a black man with black clothing and a black skull cap. He was spotted inside one of the homes, but ran off before police could catch him.

We asked people why they think these break-ins are happening.

“I have no idea but it's scary,” said Lysete Supersad. “This didn't happen years ago and I don't know why it's happening. I really don't know. I don't understand.”

Chely Rodriguez said, “Basically the economy; it's taking a toll on everybody right now. Gas, food, everything. Everybody is trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents but they're going about it the wrong way.”

Police found a pocketbook and some credit cards that the robber dropped on Wilton Street. People told 22News they'll be keeping a watchful eye on the Pine Point and Liberty Heights neighborhoods until somebody is captured.

The Springfield Police Detective Bureau is handling the investigation. If you have any information, call 413-787-6355.