Cedar Rapids neighborhood residents think twice about security after rash of burglaries

Five burglaries in about two days -- including three along the same street -- have northwest Cedar Rapids neighbors locking up their garages.

Thieves took mostly bikes and tools from homes near H Avenue NW and Edgewood Road NW, adding up to about $2,000 in stolen items.

Some say beautiful weather played a role in the crimes.

"We've lived here four years now and never had a problem," said Melody Nelson-Moser, a victim in the thefts.  "We were going in and out all day Sunday.  The weather was nice and we just didn't lock the garage door."

Nelson-Moser paid a big price for the small slip.

The burglars walked away with about $800 in merchandise from her garage.  They stole her daughter's bike and a vintage tool set given to her by her father-in-law.

Nelson-Moser called a few pawn shops in town, but said she doesn't expects to get back what was stolen.

John Moore got wind of the burglaries from Nelson-Moser and his other neighbors Tuesday morning.

"I have enough things and toys in my garage, I decided I'd just assume keep somebody out," Moore said.

He decided to bolt thick wood planks across the two windows in his garage, making burglars think twice before moving in on his home.

"If somebody wants to break in here, it's going to take some effort," He said.

Still, the neighbors say they shouldn't have to be concerned about this at all.  They know they should lock their garages, but are upset by the lack of trust they now have in their area.

"We're partially responsible for it," Nelson-Moser said, "but again, you wish you could have good faith in people."