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Homes in Rochester targeted by recent burglaries; 2 reported Monday

ROCHESTER, Pa. — Police in a Beaver County community said their department has been receiving increased reports of home burglaries in recent months.

Police Sgt. Dawn Shane said the Rochester community has been targeted by the break-ins, which have been happening one to two times per week in recent months.

On Monday evening, someone broke into a home on Ohio Avenue while the homeowner was at work. The homeowner said his house was locked, but that whoever got in did so by breaking through his back door, sending glass everywhere.

“I was so scared I had to sleep downstairs last night,” the homeowner, who did not want to be identified, said. “Watch out for your neighbors, keep your lights on, know what's going on in your community.”

Police said a second burglary happened Monday afternoon on nearby East Washington Street. It is believed that someone broke into the home through a side window while the woman who lives there was away for the day.

In both of Monday’s burglaries, laptops, money and prescription pills were stolen, according to police.

Investigators said they believe one or two people are responsible for the recent burglaries and are following up on several leads.