Community on edge after break-ins

WENDELL, Mass. (WWLP) - Police in Franklin County are trying to figure out who is responsible for a rash of break-in's.

Three places were hit over the past three weeks.

A recycling transfer station was broken in to, and 16 bags of returnable plastic bottles were stolen.

A fire station and highway department building and a post office, both on Wendell Road, were also the victims of break-ins

Wanted signs from the postal inspector now hang outside. They warn of a penalty of up to $250,000 and up to 5 years in prison.

Wendell Police Chief Edward Chase told 22News that a safe with money and stamps was taken from the postal building, although police are not saying exactly how much was taken.

The safe turned up in Winchester, New Hampshire earlier today.

Meanwhile, nothing was taken from the highway department garage.

Still, residents say it's un-nerveing to have this kind of crime in your own backyard.

"Its a very safe area and I don't think anything ever happens around here," said Emily Gilman, a resident of Wendell.

"I've been living here for 30 years and there have been very few incidents like this...I just can't believe it, I've never heard of it happening in Wendell before," said Mary Gillman, another Wendell resident.

The transfer station was broken into on February 15th, while the other two break-in's occurred on the 17th.