‘Lock all doors’: Somerville police issue warning about person breaking into homes

SOMERVILLE, Mass — Somerville police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest in recent home break-ins in the city.

Police shared photos of the suspect, saying the person is likely linked to three recent housebreaks near the Powder House Rotary.

“I was looking out the window doing my dishes and I saw someone in our yard that I didn’t recognize, so I went out and asked him what he was doing,” said Shay Urban, who saw the intruder in his own backyard. “He gave me a response that didn’t make sense. He said he was watching people run by, but he was clearly in the back of our house.”

Somerville police said the intruder has been entering homes through unlocked doors. “I feel like Somerville is a pretty safe area so it’s surprising to me that it’s happening,” said Elizabeth Champion, who lives in the targeted area. “I think people leave their doors unlocked because they feel like it’s such a safe area.”

Investigators are encouraging people to call police if they see anything unusual in their neighborhood, such as people loitering in driveways or yards, or any other suspicious behavior.

“The unknown individual has been observed in homes between 12 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. by entering unlocked doors,” police said in a press release. “Residents are urged to lock all doors and windows overnight, particularly those on ground level.” Anyone with information is asked to call the Somerville Police Criminal Investigation Department at 617-625-1600 x7226.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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