The Victim: Dennis McGroarty
The Crime: Burglary
Date: Monday, Dec. 20
Time: Between 8 and 9 a.m.
Location: 7100 block of Hillgreen
Dennis McGroarty was away on vacation during the holidays. Unfortunately, while he was away, he received the call anyone would dread: His home had been broken into while he was away.
A friend had been checking on his home and discovered the crime. Police informed McGroarty that a glass window had been smashed, and jewelry was stolen from the bedrooms, despite his home’s alarm system. McGroarty’s safe also had been opened, and weapons had been strewn throughout the home.
Because he was away, McGroarty was not able to determine what all was missing. Police told him, however, that the burglars also had targeted prescription drugs.
“They got in through a window,” McGroarty says, noting that the window shattering should have set off the alarm. “They went to my bedroom and emptied out all the pill bottles.”
Not being at home to take stock of what was missing was a real frustration for McGroarty, and he found it ironic that he had recently read an article about prescription drugs now being a common burglary target.
“We’re not sure how much they got,” he says. “We have a house sitter now.”
Dallas Police Lt. Mackie D. Ham of the Northeast Patrol Division advises residents to take preventive steps whenever they are out of town, such as having someone keep an eye on the house, and picking up the mail and any newspapers.
“This is an immediate red flag to burglars,” he says of letting newspapers and mail accumulate.
Ham agrees with McGroarty that housesitting can be one of the best deterrents. Other tips include: temporarily stopping mail and newspapers, light timers, and leaving on the TV or radio to give the appearance of someone being home. Ham also says to never mention being out of town via public forums or social media such as Facebook or Twitter.
“My personal feeling is not to advertise the fact the you will be absent from your home. I would avoid putting this issue out for the world to see. You can always tell others about your wonderful vacation after you return — not before.”
