Burglars look for gold

EATON, Ohio (WDTN) - Burglars are putting residents on edge in Eaton. Police have seen a dramatic increase in cases this month. Residents have reported 18 cases in January 2012, compared to just 53 reported burglaries in the city in the entire year of 2010. Officers said they believe the price of gold has something to do with the trend.

"The suspects are taking coins, money and jewelry," said Sgt. Eric Beeghly. "With the demand of gold and the price of gold, a lot of the burglars are taking those compared to TVs and DVD player and all that."

They're all items that can be easily sold at a pawn shop, and not easily tracked by police. Jewelry doesn't have a serial number to record, so Beeghly recommends that homeowners take photos of their jewelry, have it appraised, and keep the records in a safe place.

"We are noticing that they are certainly watching the property or going up to check if anyone's home first, whether it be knocking on the door, making phone calls prior to trying to make entry to the home," said Beeghly.

Detectives suggest that homeowners forward their home phones to their cell phones so they can answer no matter where they are. You can also leave a radio on in the house to create the illusion that someone's inside. And, Beeghly said, never put your vacation plans on Facebook or Twitter.