'Pillowcase Burglars' Strike Cinnaminson, Say Police

Three home break-ins in the last five weeks have thinking the burglaries are all related, said Det. Sgt. William Covert.

Police have dubbed the suspects as the “pillowcase burglars” because in the Cinnaminson burglaries, as well as others in neighboring towns, pillowcases were taken to hold the jewelry stolen.

Police here are currently investigating a burglary that occurred on Sunday, April 15, between the hours of 3:30 and 8 p.m. on the 100 block of Parry Road.

“It’s very rare to get a daytime burglary on the weekend,” Covert said.

Entry was made by smashing the glass out of a rear double-paned French door, said Covert. A large amount of jewelry was stolen. Police think the burglaries are related to two others in Cinnaminson in the last month, and in others reported in towns like Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, Marlton and Voorhees.

“The method of entry is exactly the same,” Covert said. “Basically, the ones we’ve had, they are breaking out the French or sliding glass doors, coming in through the back and going right to the master bedroom for jewelry,” he said. “That’s all they take, nothing else.”

In some instances, pillowcases were taken off pillows in the master bedroom to store the stolen jewelry.

“They are hitting all over,” Covert said. “They are branching into Cinnaminson.”

Covert said even houses with alarms are being broken into. He added that suspects may be driving around and waiting for owners to leave their homes.

“They probably have a vehicle somewhere and park a couple of blocks away and walk around and knock,” he added. “If people answer, they make up an excuse. If they don’t answer, they will go right to the back door.”

The victim in the Parry Road burglary is still compiling a list of what was stolen. That investigation is ongoing.

Covert is asking that residents make sure all windows and doors are locked and alarm systems activated.

“The best resource is a good neighbor,” Covert said. “Keep an eye out for your neighbor.”

Covert said if anybody sees anything suspicious at all, to call Cinnaminson Police at 856-829-6666.

“Anything at all,” Cover said, “call us. It could turn out to be big.”

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