Roanoke County police investigating string of burglaries

ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Some neighbors in south Roanoke County are on alert after a string of burglaries. Police are looking for a white Ford box van that's been spotted in several neighborhoods where the break-ins happened.

Between August 1 and September 28, Roanoke County say 10 homes in the South County are have been broken into. Now, some neighbors are taking security measures of their own.

Faircrest Lane homeowner Don Gilmer isn't leaving his home unprotected. He's added a double key lock on most outside doors.

In light of a recent rash of burglaries, Gilmer's making extras patrols around the neighborhood too.

"I'm a walker," commented Gilmer. "So, I watch for anything unusual going on."

Gilmer said his neighbor's home, a few houses down, was broken into last week.

"They came in during the day and broke in his basement door which was behind the house with nothing but woods back there," explained Gilmer. "They came into the house and apparently took a lot of jewelry."

Police said each burglary mirrors what Gilmer described; each break-in happened during the day although, most homes hit fall on a Wednesday, the burglar forced a door open and stole fine jewelry like gold.

Police believe this burglar or group of people are looking for a way to make quick cash and urge neighbors to be alert.

"Be vigilant, make sure you do lock your doors and your windows and if you see something make a note of it," said Commander David McMillan, with the Roanoke County Criminal Investigations Division.

Some people have mentioned seeing a white Ford box van in more than one neighborhood where the burglaries have occurred. One neighbor was able to capture the van on home surveillance video.

Gilmer further said he's now keeping a closer watch on the neighborhood.

Roanoke County police said if you see something suspicious don't hesitate to give the department a call.

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ORIGINAL (WSLS10) - Roanoke County police are investigating a string of residential burglaries that occurred in the South County area between August 1 and September 28.

They happened between about 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but mostly on Wednesdays, according to police.

The most commonly reported item of value stolen from within the homes is jewelry.

Houses in these locations are one that were burglarized. Addresses are listed in order from the first reported burglary to the most recent.

  • 5400 block of Roselawn Road
  • 4800 block of Topping Hill Drive
  • 4400 block of Buck Mountain Road
  • 6000 block of Country Homes Road
  • 3800 block of View Avenue
  • 5500 block of Cynthia Drive
  • 3700 block of Buck Mountain Road
  • 5100 block of Lakeland Drive
  • 4300 block of Faircrest Lane
  • 5100 block of Roselawn Road
Credit: Google Maps

A possible vehicle of interest is a white Ford box van, similar to a refrigeration truck, with no writing or logos and two heavy-duty rear doors that swing to the side. This vehicle has been seen in more than one neighborhood where the burglaries have occurred, and was captured on home video surveillance at one residence.

Roanoke County police are seeking the public's assistance by calling 911 or non-emergency dispatch at 562-3265 to report any suspicious vehicles or persons they may see within their neighborhoods. Anyone with information pertaining to these burglaries is also asked to call.

Anyone with information is asked to call 540-562-3265