Lisa Marchesoni
Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 2:06 pm

Burglars breaking into homes seem to target handguns, rifles and expensive jewelry based on reports filed by county homeowners, sheriff’s deputies reported.

People who own handguns should keep the firearms concealed and hidden in their homes, recommended Detective Lt. Larry Pace.

“Definitely don’t leave weapons out in the open,” Pace said, suggesting people who own handguns to keep the weapons hidden in different places in their homes. Use alarm systems and lock doors.

Since burglars are stealing handguns from vehicles, Pace recommended taking weapons out of vehicles.

Some of the victims during the past few days include:

• Troy McCoum of Crosspark Drive reported burglars stole a .45-caliber handgun and two 10-round magazines.

• Thomas B. Gammon of Craddock Lane near Lascassas reported burglars stole a rifle, laptop computer, television, XBox and games, a $5,800 sapphire and diamond ring and a band.

• Phoebe Bryan of Bakerview Street reported someone stole about $7,000 worth of jewelry, including two 1-karat narrow gold bands, a gold tennis bracelet with diamonds, diamond cluster ring, chain with diamonds and an LCD TV.

• Michael Shaun Fowler of Barretts Ridge Road reported burglars stole two LCD televisions and game systems with a value of $3,280.