Police in Lancaster County are searching for armed and dangerous burglars, that are breaking into homes while the residents are inside. They say the burglaries are not isolated and they are scattered across Columbia Borough.
Last Friday night, Shane Bechtold and his family were at the grocery store. They were only gone for 15 minutes. That was enough time for a burglar to break into their home through an unlocked bathroom window. The criminals took off with most of his firearms, and some were loaded.
Shane said he was in shock when he saw the guns were missing. "I came running back out through the house yelling, you better not be in my house."
Jessica Bechtold said, "It freaks me out, they stole loaded guns." She says this burglary drastically changed her life. "I haven't really left the house since it happened. I carry a loaded gun, anytime anyone comes through the door. I'm afraid to go anywhere, my husband makes sure he's home before dark. And I won't let my daughter out of my sight."
This family is just one of many whose homes were broken into. Police say the crime spree started on Black Friday.
Some people were inside their homes, relaxing in the evening when burglars broke in and quietly stole things like cash, firearms and small electronic devices and then snuck out. "It's not just the material things they took, it's the stress that is put on our family. I'm pregnant, emotional and all I want to do is cry because someone was in my home."
As for the people who violated her family by breaking into her home, Jessica has this message. "We work hard for everything we have, try doing the same."
No one was hurt in any of the burglaries. Police are reminding you to lock your windows and doors. Don't leave valuables where people can see them through a window.
Last Friday night, Shane Bechtold and his family were at the grocery store. They were only gone for 15 minutes. That was enough time for a burglar to break into their home through an unlocked bathroom window. The criminals took off with most of his firearms, and some were loaded.
Shane said he was in shock when he saw the guns were missing. "I came running back out through the house yelling, you better not be in my house."
Jessica Bechtold said, "It freaks me out, they stole loaded guns." She says this burglary drastically changed her life. "I haven't really left the house since it happened. I carry a loaded gun, anytime anyone comes through the door. I'm afraid to go anywhere, my husband makes sure he's home before dark. And I won't let my daughter out of my sight."
This family is just one of many whose homes were broken into. Police say the crime spree started on Black Friday.
Some people were inside their homes, relaxing in the evening when burglars broke in and quietly stole things like cash, firearms and small electronic devices and then snuck out. "It's not just the material things they took, it's the stress that is put on our family. I'm pregnant, emotional and all I want to do is cry because someone was in my home."
As for the people who violated her family by breaking into her home, Jessica has this message. "We work hard for everything we have, try doing the same."
No one was hurt in any of the burglaries. Police are reminding you to lock your windows and doors. Don't leave valuables where people can see them through a window.