Burglary Highlights Need For Holiday Caution

Devastated.

That's the word Valdora Ward uses to describe her reaction to finding that her home of 31 years had been burglarized on Saturday.

Ward was returning home after riding in a fire engine during Brooksville's annual Christmas parade. Her husband, Jerry, a longtime firefighter with the city fire department, was working a street detail.

On Monday, Ward couldn't go into much detail about what happened because police are still looking for the suspect or suspects. But her feelings about the matter are clear.

"I've never had this happen before," said Ward, a local artist. "I feel violated. It's like a big slap in the face."

Ward couldn't say what was stolen, but she confirmed that she had finished Christmas shopping.

Police Chief George Turner couldn't add much either on Monday, except to say the burglary was under investigation. He said there were no other burglaries reported Saturday.

The Wards live on Natelle Street, between Mildred and Hale avenues off Broad Street. The burglary occurred sometime between 7:45 a.m. and noon. Anyone who saw something suspicious around that time or have other information is asked to call the police department at 754-6800.

Burglaries generally tend to spike after Christmas when folks advertise what's in their home by the boxes in the garbage, said Sgt. Donna Black, spokeswoman for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

What's more common this time of year are vehicle burglaries, when thieves are looking in car windows for packages and purses, Black said.

She reminds women to try to keep purses in hand, not on shoulders, and put the purse in the car or trunk before unloading purchases. Black also advises shoppers to go in pairs and to immediately call for help if you see someone suspicious.

As for burglaries, Black suggests not leaving Christmas packages under trees and keeping the blinds closed when leaving home.