Somerville Police Still Investigating Home Break-in Epidemic

SOMERVILLE, MA — The police department is seeking to identify a person it believes may be connected to multiple breaking-and-entering incidents that have occurred at residences throughout the East end neighborhood.

The person was captured on surveillance footage recently and appears to be a man with dark facial hair. He was last seen wearing glasses, a black hooded Under Armour jacket, a red jacket underneath, jeans, and white sneakers.

According to the department, there have been a total of seven break-ins in the same neighborhood since Tuesday, Feb. 3. Five of them took place while residents were at their homes. Police have reportedly made “arrests” since the burglaries began, however the crimes have not ceased. Two break-ins have also taken place in Ward six, which is in the western part of Somerville.

One case features Robert Burkard, 33, entering the third floor of a Somerville triple-decker while three women were sleeping, according to a report from WCVB NewsCenter 5. Burkard reportedly used the stove, poured himself a bowl of cereal and left goldfish crackers scattered in the apartment. The roommates woke up confused about who was inside their home and called police, and Burkard was quickly arrested.

Community members with relevant information about the person of interest in the photo are being asked to contact Detective Courtney Reece via email or call the police department at 617-625-1600. Police have advised all Somerville residents to lock all doors and windows at all times, install surveillance cameras, and leave lights on when not home to make it appear as though someone is present.

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