Jan 20, 2005 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Police are attributing a surge in the number of burglaries and robberies taking place within the city to desperate unemployed workers and drug use. On Saturday, officers were called to a local gas station where a male brandished a small, black semi-automatic handgun at the attendant and demanded money.

In a second incident, an East Fairview Avenue resident returned home and was punched in the face by an unknown assailant that had broken into the home in an attempted burglary.

“It’s not just our department that is seeing an increase in the numbers, but every department throughout the county and the state police,” said city police Chief Stephen Cooper on Wednesday.

Over the past several weeks, the department has been dispatched to numerous homes and businesses where DVDs, games, cameras and other merchandise along with money have been stolen.

The unknown thieves have also targeted vehicles. Cellular telephones, compact discs, change and other items lying on the seat of the car have been removed, said Cooper.

“People are desperate and, unfortunately, resorting to crime,” he said. “They are stealing from stores, gas stations, homes and vehicles for anything of value.

“A lot of the burglaries and robberies can be attributed to drug use, but we also have a lot of unemployed people in need of money.”

Cooper said to deter robberies or burglaries, drivers need to refrain from leaving valuables in full sight and to lock their car doors when going to the store or parking them at home.

“Shut the car off when you go into a store,” he said. “It only takes a few seconds for someone to steal your car.”

Cooper also recommends that vehicles be parked in a lighted area.

“I know that you believe your car should be safe if its parked in your driveway, but it might be better on the street if the lighting is available,” he said. “Thieves target concealed, unlit areas.”

Cooper said outdoor lighting is beneficial in keeping homes safe, and like vehicles, doors should be kept locked.

“It’s common sense things,” he said.

Cooper, meanwhile, said officers are seeking information in connection with the armed robbery that took place at the McCormick Avenue Sunoco Station and the East Fairview Avenue burglary.

The burglary suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 170 to 180 pounds. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a blue sweatshirt and blue jeans.

The suspect involved in the armed robbery is described as a white male in his 20s, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall with a medium build, dark hair and mustache and goatee. He was wearing a blue knit cap, gray sweat pants and sweatshirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 724-628-2501, ext. 110.