Residents 'Don't Feel Safe' After Burglary Spree

Nancy Soto doesn’t feel as safe in her home as she once did.

Several homes on the street Soto lives on, Towsen Road, and the surrounding neighborhood have been burglarized in the past three months.

“I never expected this to happen,” Soto said. “I don’t feel safe.”

Soto said seven homes on Towsen, Aberdeen Avenue and other nearby streets have been hit. Jewelry and cash were taken, she said. The quite, cherry-blossom lined streets are located a few blocks away from Anthony Wayne Middle School.

“You don’t know if the person or people who are doing this are armed or what,” Soto’s husband Michael said. “You don’t know what their motive is for doing it.”

A Towsen Road resident, who did not want to give his name, said his home was robbed 10 days ago. Soto said another home was burglarized Saturday night.

Police are “continuing to investigate” these burglaries and three others that occurred at apartments near Valley Road earlier this month, Detective Capt. James Clarke said. Police said all the burglarized apartments had unlocked windows.

Soto grew up in the Bronx. She moved to Wayne several years ago to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle. But, Soto said, the burglaries have changed the way she lives.

“I don’t even go directly into my house anymore. I drive around the block once just to check and make sure everything is okay,” Soto said. “Now I lock the door every night before going to bed.”

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries or who witness suspicious activity or individuals in their neighborhood should contact the Wayne Police Department at 973-694-0600.

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