OLIVE BRANCH, MS (abc24.com) - Thieves are breaking into new homes in Olive Branch, stealing brand new appliances. Cops told abc24.com four were hit in one neighborhood in the last week. They think crooks are looking to make holiday cash.
"The holidays are approaching and this is a way to sell these for cash," said Major Tim Presley. "A lot of them are nice stainless steel appliances, dishwashers, microwaves, oven ranges and stoves."
Investigators said four homes in Cherokee Valley were broken into.
"The homes are all within close proximity in the same subdivision," said Presley. "Three were on the same street, the same block."
Thieves kicked in the doors of two houses. Once inside, they went straight for the kitchen and the appliances.
"There was a good mess coming in the front door. The whole door casing came off," Christopher Clements told abc24.com.
He works for the home builder and just repaired that damage along with replacing the home's microwave and stove.
"You'd be better off to leave the door unlocked," said Clements. "That way all you'd have to do is replace the appliances. If someone wants it they're going to get it."
One of the homes was left unlocked.
"It was just a welcome sign for thieves to come in," said John Moore.
Moore's the realtor for the homes. He's also a neighbor.
"We have an alarm system, a dog and a cat that's probably bigger than a dog. I'm not worried about having my family here. I think they're just coming in especially this time of year," Moore told abc24.com.
"I think in the holidays you have to be more mindful of all kinds of theft," said Presley.
Right now, cops think the thieves are targeting empty homes, but they said no matter where you live, watch out.
Police don't have any suspects. They are checking Craigslist and keeping an eye out for any appliances on the market.
