Police remind residents to lock doors

A Leonore Road resident startled a burglar who entered the home in the middle of the day on Saturday.

Assistant Police Chief Timothy Green said a resident was working in the back yard around noon when the suspect entered the house through an unlocked side door.

Another resident was in the basement and upon hearing footsteps went upstairs to find the suspect.

Confronting the man, he made an excuse for being in the house and left on a bike, according to Green. The suspect is described as a black male, 20-30 years old; 5 feet, 10 inches tall; husky build; and wearing gray paints, a white shirt and a fisherman's hat.

According to police, he took jewelry, money and personal papers.

"As a general rule, we remind people when doing yard work, close the overhead garage door and lock the front doors," Green said. "You don't want to make your home opportunistic."

Police are also investigating a home robbery that took place around 10 a.m. Sunday on Skinnerville Road. The resident was out walking the dog and upon returning home saw the suspect leave through a back door.

He also gave an excuse for being there before leaving.

Signs of forced entry were discovered at the home. He is described as a black male, approximately 20 years of age, 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds.

Nothing had been reported missing by the owner.