The man was scared away and wasn’t able to steal anything, Peabody said. Officers were told the suspect was wearing a gray hoodie and was tall and slender, he said, but weren’t given any other identifying features.
Residents posted about the break-ins on a a neighborhood Facebook page and uploaded surveillance video that showed people walking down the street in the middle of the night.
RELATED: German Twp. Police warn of house, car break-ins
“It’s a whole different level of breaking the law when you come into somebody’s home,” said longtime Ridgewood resident Michael Morris. “That’s what most people would consider life threatening.”
Ridgewood is normally a quiet neighborhood, he said, and the break-ins have residents on high alert.
“We have a lot of growing families in the neighborhood, small children,” he said, “and people are very concerned … the thing that I worry about is somebody getting hurt.”
The neighborhood is close knit, he said, and everyone is looking out for each other.
“I hope whoever is doing it understands that the neighborhood is collectively watching what’s going on,” Morris said.
Many neighbors want to protect themselves, he said.
DETAILS: Prosecutor alleges Champaign County 8th grader planned murder
“It makes you fearful,” he said. “You don’t want to be a prisoner in your own home.”
It’s unusual to see a string of attempted break-ins within blocks of each other in the same neighborhood, Peabody said.
Police need more information to make an arrest, Peabody said. Neighbors should lock up belongings and call police if they believe they’re in danger.
“Keep everything locked up, set the alarm, look out for each other,” he said.
Anyone with information about the break-ins can call Springfield Police at 937 324 7685.
5 QUICK CRIME READS
West Liberty victim attends court hearing for accused school shooter
3 things to know about Clark-Shawnee baseball team investigation
Crime scene tape surrounds Champaign County farmhouse
Defense wants hearing closed for accused West Liberty shooter
Clark County Sheriff’s Office researching drones as state debates
About the Author