Monson residents concerned after break-ins

MONSON, Mass. (WWLP) - A recent series of house and car break-in's in the town of Monson and surrounding towns has left many people on edge.

Many thieves are now targeting suburban and rural areas, stealing purses, GPS devices and family jewels.

And this trend has many people concerned as they continue to rebuild after the June 1 tornado and the October snowstorm.

Recently the Monson Police Department arrested six people in Monson for breaking and entering into various homes and cars, but police found out some of those suspects were also linked to many other crimes in East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Sturbridge and even Stafford, Connecticut.

“When I was a youngster, growing up in town, nobody locked anything. The trash collectors came into the garage and took the trash barrels out. That doesn't happen anymore. No, we always lock up. We have an alarm system,” Denise Broverman told 22News.

Many people said they won't let the break-in's scare them away from their normal routines.

“I think you just have to be aware and have some street sense and not be afraid to live your life, not frightened of anything,” Joan Thomas said.

John Moschetti said, “There are bad people in all towns. Times have changed. They can sit in a parking lot, steal your code and close your door and lock your door. It's a little scary, but that's where the world is going.”

Monson Police Chief Stephen Kozloski said Monson police will continue to work with surrounding towns to find more suspects and to recover more stolen valuables.