Burglars hit Kettering ‘soft targets’

Kettering police are warning residents after four daytime burglaries were reported in the western area of the city.

“They’re looking for soft targets,” said Officer Ron Roberts with the Kettering Police Department. “People that leave doors or windows opened or unlocked.”

The four burglaries were reported on West David Road, Rondeau Ridge Drive and Doornock Court since last Monday, with the most recent occurring Friday, according to police reports.

“You have to remain on your toes and be aware of that and make yourself a hard target,” Roberts said.

In the Doornock Court burglary, someone walked into the unlocked home and stole jewelry worth more than $7,000.

“I’m very surprised. It’s pretty much a quiet neighborhood,” said Paul Hutchins, a Kettering resident living across from a home burglarized on Rondeau Ridge. “I worry about crime, but I try to do what I can do to prevent it.”

Hutchins has an alarm system and several other security features installed in his home.

Roberts said it’s important to keep doors and windows closed and locked when you are not home, but also when you leave town you should stop your mail, newspapers and make sure someone cuts your grass.

Residents also should keep alert for suspicious activity in their neighborhood and report it to police.

Last Thursday, police arrested Larry Denbo Jr., 44, of Dayton after a resident noticed him trying to break into a home in the 3200 block of Atherton Road, Roberts said. It’s not clear if Denbo may be connected to other cases in the city.

Kettering offers a vacation watch program, where officers will check your home while you are on vacation.

Residents interested in the program can contact police.

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