CPD investigates apartment burglary
The burglary occurred at Walnut Brook subdivision.
Published Feb. 26, 2010
The Columbia Police Department received a call Wednesday about a burglary at the Walnut Brook subdivision on Bethel Church Road.
A caller reported to CPD around 1:07 p.m. of two suspects trying to break into an apartment, CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said.
Officers reported to the apartment complex and found a basket filled with two laptops, two Xbox 360s and a digital camera. A TV was also placed next to the basket, Haden said.
"They got spooked and didn't take the stuff with them," Haden said.
Had the suspects been able to take the items, it would have amounted to about $4,500 in stolen items. Officers contacted the property management of the complex to discuss $250 in damages to a window that was used to gain entry, Haden said.
Officers also contacted one of the two roommates living in the apartment, who said his iPod touch was missing, Haden said.
During the initial report to CPD, the caller said they saw a vehicle outside the complex. Officers checked on a Blue Mazda MPV Minivan and noticed a TV and other items in the car. Haden said the vehicle was immediately towed.
"When we checked (the vehicle) with Joint Communications, it had been entered as an abandoned vehicle by the highway patrol as of Feb. 7," Haden said. "At this point, we weren't sure if these were things taken from this apartment or from another burglary."
CPD has been able to process the TV found in the vehicle for DNA, and the case has been forwarded to the Investigative Division, Haden said. No arrests have been made as of Thursday.
Haden said this situation is uncommon because most burglaries are reported after they happen.
"We got there so quickly, so the suspects wouldn't be able to get into the car and drive away," Haden said. "When witnesses call while it's happening, this is wonderful."
Because of the nature of the items found from the investigation, Haden also said it is entirely possible this case is related to other burglaries.