VHPD investigating burglaries near Massey Road

The Vestavia Hills Police Department is investigating six burglaries and one attempted burglary  that occurred over the last week.

The first three incidents occurred at the Vestawood apartment complex between 12:45 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. In all three instances the burglar forced entry into the unoccupied apartments. TVs, jewelry and other electronics were reported stolen.

On Sunday between 7 and 9:15 a.m., two more apartment burglaries were reported, one in the 2500 block of Mountain Lodge Circle and one in the 1800 block of Arboretum Circle. Two additional residential burglaries were reported, both in the 2900 block of Massey Road. In three of the incidents, force or attempted force was used to gain entry into the unoccupied homes, and TVs, power tools, prescription medications and other electronics were reported stolen. One of the burglaries was reported as "attempted," and nothing was stolen.

Captain Kevin York said that when events occur in a cluster, as is the case for the six cases, it typically means one individual or one group of individuals is involved. He said the department's detectives will continue to investigate, but that there were no leads so far.

He encouraged residents to deter those looking to burglarize by removing signs that no one is home, such as picking up old newspapers or mail, leaving porch lights on or a visible interior light on. 

He said that the department will be stepping up patrols in the Massey Road area, but that he encourages those who stay at home to keep an eye on their own neighborhoods, and call the department if they see anything suspicious.

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries should contact the department by calling 978-0140, or by submitting an anonymous tip by texting 274-637 (CRIMES), keyword VHPD, or by clicking the tip link on the department's Facebook page.