Ypsilanti police ask residents to stay alert as home invasions increase this summer
When Kimberly Wilcox returned from work to her Normal Park neighborhood home in Ypsilanti, she was horrified at what she discovered.
Her house, which is at a busy intersection near Estabrook Elementary School was not locked up as she had left it. The garage door was open, the breezeway was open and she then discovered her front door was also hanging open.
This all happened while she was at work, and thieves nabbed her jewelry, two computers, iPads, a television and more.
“We were shocked,” said Wilcox, who has lived at the house with her husband for 12 years after moving here from Chicago.
The break-in is part of an uptick in home invasions Ypsilanti has seen during the summer months. Police handled 27 break-ins total in July, which is up by 10 from July of last year, and 25 in June.
A home at Cross and Douglas streets was burglarized.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
Among those who have had their homes broken into were Ypsilanti City Council Member Dan Vogt and Corner Brewery owner and Rene Greff.
Home invasions have been up in the region in general. Pittsfield Township officials have called a meeting to deal with similar issues and Canton has also reported a rise in home invasions. Ann Arbor residents were on high alert over the winter when thieves hit around 100 homes.
Ypsilanti police Lt. Paul DeRitter said most of the break-ins occurred in the northern third of the city, though there were incidents reported all around Ypsilanti.
The department has made 11 arrests in connection with the June and July home invasions, and several suspects were linked to multiple crimes, DeRitter said. Eight break-ins were attempts.
DeRitter said there didn’t appear to be an organized ring committing the burglaries, but he added that isn’t necessary to cause issues in the neighborhood.
“One or two people can cause a huge problem in the area, “ he said.
DeRitter said the suspects have ranged in age from teens to adult felons on parole.
Police have found thieves are forcing doors open, pushing up unlocked windows, pushing screens up on open windows or pushing air conditioners in to gain access to a house.
On many occasion, items have been taken out of homes during daylight hours.
Police say one of the best ways residents can protect their homes is keep an eye out on neighbors’ property.
“One of the things we promote is good communication between neighbors,” DeRitter said. “Look out for your neighbors’ property. Let neighbors know the shifts you work and when you aren’t going to be home.”
“I ask that each resident stay vigilant in their neighborhoods and follow the basic crime prevention measures that each of us can do,” said Ypsilanti police Chief Amy Walker. “If you see or hear anything suspicious call 911.”
DeRitter said house alarms can be a good idea and burglars are usually deterred by dogs. But he underscored the importance of neighbors working as the police and each others’ “eyes and ears.” He said the police department remains in contact with neighborhood and business associations about issue.
Wilcox said she was most upset that she wasn't aware there was an issue.
“I was disturbed by it; being robbed is traumatic thing,” she said. “But why didn’t people know about (the home invasions)?”
Comments
Andrew
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 3:01 a.m.
How can you NOT be aware of the problem? It's been talked about for a couple of years now. We have a neighborhood association Facebook page that reports on all this criminal activity. We've had meetings with the Ypsilanti Police Department at the community center. There's been community communication with local school authorities. It's been in the news for a long time.
Itchy
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 8:36 a.m.
What if you are older and do not have a Facebook fetish?
Steven Taylor
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
Police don't solve the problem, as the victim has stated in the above post. They've essentially taken a report, will investigate and hopefully there will be a positive resolution. Hopefully she may recover some of her property. The likelihood of that is slim as the goods taken are easily fenced/sold/traded. Her security of course is forever damaged. Police arrive after the fact, and it's a necessity for the PUBLIC to take a proactive approach in their safety and well being in the neighborhood. My family was the victim of a break in in the township back in 93 that was enough to get us to be proactive about our own security. (Alarms, etc) I make it a point to know all my neighbors currently and we communicate regularly with the police department on issues in the area.
Hope44
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
Just wanted to thank everyone for the comments. We will be removing the bushes, we also added an alarm system. Our house was locked up, the thieves broke down the front door. We love our neighborhood and have had a false sense of security. A sad fact was that our neighbors had actually seen some suspicious activity leading up to the crime but did not alert anyone. The only reason I contacted the news was to alert my community so others can be aware and look out for each other. I subscribe to the paper and listen to local news because I want to be informed. I appreciated the comments by others that larger societal issues play a role here. The economy, the failing schools, much smaller police forces, breakdowns in families and neighborhoods. There are many solutions but it will take communities working together to make them happen. I do want to add that the police officers that came and the detective on the case were very professional and helpful.
jns131
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
False sense of security takes an eye opening experience like this to make one aware that we are not alone in the world and we need to be more aware of our surroundings. Time to start a neighborhood watch meeting.
bdonald
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
Good advice about neighbors looking out for each other but what if everyone works during the day? The best remedy in my opinion is to have more cops patrolling the neighborhoods.
jns131
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
Key phrase Ann Arborite, you are laying off your police force. So how is this going to help you put more into your neighborhood when when there is none to patrol? Get real and get a neighborhood watch going. We did and have one. O by the way, we got more WCSD on ours because we voted for it. Might want to think about paying more taxes to have more cops on your street. Better yet? Vote to opt in the WCSD.
pseudo
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
djacks24 , I am responsible for myself and I lock my doors and windows, and still they come breaking in because I work during the day, like my neighbors so that I can pay my bills and my taxes...which should pay for reasonable police coverage. And I yes, I think Ypsi doesn't have nearly enough police coverage per shift
djacks24
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
How about taking personal responsibility for yourself and your home instead of depending on the police for everything? There are things you can do like others have suggested. Also, these things will aid police and make their job easier.
Goober
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
Being vigilant and helping watch over each other and our properties are good measures. But, as a society, unless we are willing to be brutally honest with each other and find the root causes for our growing crime, we will be stuck with actions 'after the fact'. I believe that our growing & high unemployment, growing welfare status, shrinking personal wealth as a nation, loss of a volume of good paying jobs previously represented by manufacturing, etc. are all contributors to our crime. I also believe that if employment would rise to an acceptable level, coupled with the adoption of the concept of a 'job for everyone', this would go a long way to stemming some of the causes for crime. My concept of a 'job for everyone' is that even if you fall on tough times and need society assistance, you have to do something in return while receiving this assistance. Self-esteem can remain elevated, the recipient feels that they are contributing and time is spent on something that has value to the society. No free rides, even for a short period of time. Our society must come together, drop petty politics and collectively find and solve the root causes for our growing crime.
Itchy
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
I would love to see statistics on criminals as to whether any of them have steady jobs or not, are on welfare or not, etc. I seem to recall reading that a high percentage of home robberies are by individuals that have no employment or steady jobs. If we can get data and facts, that would be great.
djacks24
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
"I also believe that if employment would rise to an acceptable level, coupled with the adoption of the concept of a 'job for everyone', this would go a long way to stemming some of the causes for crime." So, you are implying honest out of work folks will inevitably resort to home invasions? If I were out of a job, I don't think I'd ever resort to home invasion to get by. A thief is a thief in most cases. Someone who would break into a home, would steal from their employer just as easily. I've seen it many times. I believe urban sprawl is as much a contributing factor as anything. Big cities like Detroit are mostly a wasteland so these criminals have spread out more to the suburbs and smaller cities.
jns131
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
Key phrase, her house was unlocked while at work. People this is not 1950's Americana. There are people after our stuff and they want what you have. So lock it up. I will keep my comment to myself but what a wake up call she got.
Hope44
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
My house was locked up deadbolts and all, they broke down our front door which sits on a very busy street and corner and a bus stop is in our front yard. We now have a security system.
nickcarraweigh
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
Speaking of wake up calls, this guy is Rip Van Winkle
jmcmurray
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
How is commenting on a post keeping your comment to yourself?
Heather
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
The full sentence says that her home was "not locked up AS SHE HAD LEFT IT." She did lock it, jns131.
YpsiYapper
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.
(Jul 9, 2012 The silent epidemic: How heroin is infiltrating Washtenaw County) I can just about guarantee if you read this article, you will have a very good understanding of what is going on and why these numbers are climbing. I moved to Michigan from Long Island 3 and 1/2 years ago. When I read this article it sent chills up my back. This has been going on there for years and has apparently reached this area. That artice mirrored one that I had read years ago where I used to live. The problem there is out of control and has been for a years now. If it's now here, I would suggest everyone take a serious look at what security measures are used to protect your home where ever it may be. If heroin infilterated this area as the article states, no one lives in a good neighborhood any more. It will be your neighborhood addict watching your patterns and the one breaking in to your home. I learned a long time ago to lock everything down that has any value to it in a quick sale. My home is alarmed with devices to let me know immediately if they are triggered. I will have clear pictures and the Sheriff on the way even if I am on the other side of the world. If you have the technology available utilize it. (a smart phone and inexpensive motion detectors with cameras) If not invest in some deterrent even if its window stickers. There is nothing worst then the feeling of sleeping in your home on the first night after it was broken in to. You probably will not sleep. It feels so violating when someone does this to you. When you find out it was the kid who lives two doors down who you knew for years it becomes more disturbing. The war on drugs is a lost cause. Things like this are a direct result of this war. It's really time to start focusing on legalizing and regulating drugs in a way where use transitions in to counseling and abstinence over a period of time. In the mean time I would suggest everyone take a hard look at your property and lock down everything you can..
pseudo
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 11:59 a.m.
how many of the arrested folks are are from the ring made up of high school students working for a fence from 2011? Our police did a good job in busting the fence and many of the students but they were able to do qutie a bit of damage and develope some pretty good skills. At least some of the previous reporting has talked of a 14 year old young man that was rounded up at Rene's home. Any indication if he was part of the previous gang? I ask because the lack of transparency about what is going on both via the sheriff, police and criminal justice system makes it even more difficult to stop these crimes. We, as home owners and tax payers, lack honest and truthful information about who these criminals are, where they came from, what their previous offenses are, their methods for committing their crimes. As these crimes continue, eventually someone is goning to get very hurt.
Andrew
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 3:07 a.m.
I have to disagree about the transparency of the police department. They have been very forthcoming. They have met with the Normal Park Neighborhood Association and given clear information on who the suspects are and what the community could do to help. Sometimes you have to go looking for information, instead of waiting for it to come to you. Having said that, this has been well reported on and clearly communicated to the public.
HB11
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 11:57 a.m.
"Wilcox said she was most upset that she wasn't aware there was an issue. "I was disturbed by it; being robbed is traumatic thing," she said. "But why didn't people know about (the home invasions)?"" This is exactly why folks stay tuned to the police reports from this website; to stay informed of what crime is happening nearby.
Andrew
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 3:09 a.m.
There has been a fair amount of coverage on this problem. We have had community meetings as well. It's been pretty well covered for the past couple of years.
HB11
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 6 p.m.
This website, along with nixle, WCSD reports, etc.
pseudo
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.
this website? unfortuately, this website is incredibly inaccurate in its reporting of crimes and very very rarely follows up later to report on what happens. if this is your source, you are missing it.
In doubt
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 10:55 a.m.
I can't help but notice all the plant growth up against the house in the picture. That is not a good thing. Anyone could be behind all the brush and get in without being seen. Someone would have to see the crook in the seconds they go behind the brush, then they are in without being seen. With a clear view, someone crawling in a window, kicking in a door, ect. would be so easy to spot, that the crook probably wouldn't attempt it in broad daylight. It's sad that this is occuring so much in this whole area, so be aware, and think about things like this.