METHUEN, Mass. — By the light of the moon, three men wearing masks and carrying guns entered several homes in Methuen to steal from the residents.
Police said the two home invasions Sunday night appear to be connected.
The first call was made by a woman on Camden Street.
“They put her down on the floor and started taking the valuables out of the house and then fled in an unknown direction. She wasn’t able to see which way they went or if they got into a car,” Lt. Greg Gallant said.
As police worked on that case, a second call came in. This time from a female on Howe Street.
“Three male subjects forced their way into the house, had guns and masks. They spent about 20 minutes in the house where they rummaged through and took the valuables,” Gallant said.
In both cases the thieves made off with jewelry and money but left behind clues to their identities.
The men were speaking English to the victims, but Spanish to each other.
Police say that while home invasions in Methuen are rare, drug abuse is driving people to extremes.
“You don't want to fight. You don't want to argue. You want to be as good a witness as possible,” Gallant said. “Remain calm and try to get as much information about the people who are doing the home invasion as possible.”
Lawrence police recovered what they believe to be the getaway vehicle and some less-valuable items.