Written by Amber Skinner | 16 March 2010

In the late fall of last year, a sharp rise in the number of burglaries in Harpswell prompted the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) to issue a warning which has been posted on the town's website (www.harpswell.maine.gov).
The "unusual events" started in October and peaked in November, according to CCSO Captain of Criminal Investigations Don Goulet, with 11 thefts reported in just the first 10 days of that month.
The break-ins occurred in residential and commercial buildings, including several unoccupied camps, generally during daylight hours, the CCSO warning explained. Some are considered "inside jobs," Goulet said, since the criminals appeared to have knowledge of property owners' schedules. In a few cases, the items taken were less of a loss than the damage done to the property.
Although some charges were brought in the earlier burglaries, no arrests have been made in the November rash of Harpswell break-ins. But the thefts have "tapered off," Goulet said. He believes this is because "some of the suspects, the people of interest, have been arrested on other, unrelated charges and are, therefore, unavailable" to commit more crimes in the area. While these circumstances confirm earlier suspicions, there's not enough evidence to make an official charge, he explained.
Despite the downturn in burglaries, Goulet recommends installing security alarms in uninhabited camps and other buildings, as well as keeping valuable property under lock and key.
However, "relying on neighbors" is the best defense, Goulet said. "Members of the community watching out for their neighbors is critical," he continued. "Many crimes have been avoided or solved simply because people were paying attention to what was going on around them."
If you have information that may help solve any of these crimes, please contact Captain Don Goulet at the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, 774-1444, extension 2110.