HOPEWELL, VA (WWBT) - Criminals are kicking-in doors to steal electronics and other items from homes in Hopewell. In fact, burglaries are on the rise there, compared to this time last year.
One of the most recent burglaries happened in the 400 block of North 10th Avenue. The crook or crooks ripped the latch off two sheds stealing thousands of dollars worth of tools.
Tim Brakefield is furious.
"I've been so ticked -- I haven't bothered letting this hit me yet," he said.
In the middle of the night someone broke into his shed.
"My Christmas tools -- they took them -- they just dumped the box out. I had tools sitting up here on the shelf -- they took them," he added.
The thief even took his son's BMX bike.
"I got it from my grandpa 2 or 3 years ago," said 10-year-old Timmy Brakefield.
Burglaries are on the rise in Hopewell. This time last year the city had 14 burglaries.
During the same time period this year, 22 burglaries. That's an increase of 57%.
The crimes have taken place during the day and at night.
Several of the burglaries happened in the Roselawn neighborhood -- on Dellrose Circle, New Lincoln Avenue, and Cloverdale Avenue, according to police.
Back on North 10th Avenue Tim has to replace his stolen stuff. He used the tools for work.
"I make beds for people. I do construction work for people, add on additions for people and stuff like that -- so I used the tools a lot," he said
Tim has a message for the crooks.
"Karma will be back to get you -- so you better watch what you're doing," he added.
Tim's 4th grade son says it best - "You don't steal other people's stuff that don't belong to you."
Three of the crimes have been cleared with an arrest. If you have information on any of the burglaries your asked to contact Hopewell Police.
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