Burglary suspects startled by homeowners in Chesterfield - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

By Melissa Correa - bio | email
Posted by Terry Alexander - email

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT) - Chesterfield Police are investigating two similar residential burglaries in neighboring subdivisions in which three suspects fled after they were startled by homeowners.

The burglaries occurred in the 2000 block of Lancashire Drive at about 10:45 p.m. and the 300 block of Grinell Drive at about 12:52 a.m. 

Norma Poole and Melvin Garrison had their homes broken into within two hours of each other. Both crimes started the same way. 

"The glass around the front door, they were knocking really hard. I was asleep. I was asleep and it woke me up," said Poole. 

"After they rang the doorbell I ran downstairs, looked through my blinds- didn't see anybody. Then I heard voices, that's when I heard voices coming from here, I'm like, what's going on?" Garrison said. 

Both say three young men then crept to the back of their houses- the trio pushed through Norma's kitchen door. They used Melvin's ladder to climb through the kitchen window.  

Melissa Correa: "Did they say anything to you?"
Melvin Garrison: "No." |
Melissa Correa: "Did they steal anything?"
Melvin Garrison: "Thank god. No." 

They did however steal cash from Norma's wallet. Both victims walked up on the burglars.  

"I saw them on three bicycles going down Grinell Drive," Garrison said. 

No one was injured in either burglary. The three suspects are black males who are between 15-25.

Neither homeowner had lights on. Norma didn't lock her deadbolt Tuesday night. Tim Lamb with Chesterfield police says people need to be vigilant. 

"We want to make sure that people utilize exterior lighting always," he said. 

He also suggests starting a Neighborhood Watch. After losing sleep the rest of the night- Norma is now investing in motion-sensor lights and a security system. Melvin will be keeping the lights on too.

Anyone with information should contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at (804) 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660 or text the code tip699 with the tip and send to 274637 (CRIMES).

Copyright 2010 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved.