Jul 16, 2008 10:46 pm US/Eastern
Lawrence Police Try To Control Rash Of Burglaries
LAWRENCE (WBZ) ―
A special team of investigators, known as "BAT" are hitting the streets of Lawrence trying to control a rash of house break-ins.
Lawrence police have recently seen a spike in residential burglaries. Some 45 burglaries were reported last month alone.
Police found fingerprints in one of the robberies, but they say in that case what made the break-ins so easy for the thieves was that the building's door front door was unlocked.
Officials say on the streets tough economic times and drug use are fueling crime.
The Burglary Apprehension Team, or BAT, looks for patterns to trip the crooks up, and they hope homeowners will take precautions as well.
The city has used special teams before with success. Officers focussing on a rise in auto thefts have now reduced crime by 80 percent.
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