ZEKE WRIGHT

Staff Writer

CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. -- A recent surge in burglaries has authorities warning Washington County residents to remain aware.

Washington County Undersheriff John Winchell said "cyclical" would be a good term to describe burglary trends.

"Every few years, it seems like there's a rash." Police investigate, arrests are made, and a lull in activity typically follows.

With an uptick of break-ins in southern Washington County this year, Winchell reported "a lot of similarities" between multiple incidents, and he said there appeared to be connections.

"We think they're tied in together."

Last Monday, Aug. 13, a manhunt commenced in Cambridge after a caller reported an attempted break-in at a residence along County Road 59, southwest of the village.

The initial 911 caller reported the man appeared to have a gun, although police said Friday the witness did not get a good look at what the suspect was carrying and authorities could not substantiate the firearm.

Monday's search involved Cambridge police, sheriff's deputies, and a state police surveillance helicopter. "We are working with state police and local police" collaboratively on active burglary investigations, Winchell said.

Last Monday's incident took place at an unoccupied home up for sale, which have been targeted in recent months. In addition to locking their homes and vehicles, Winchell said authorities are asking residents to be aware. "Be very alert for anything suspicious."

A new "liaison program" conceived earlier this year is opening a more direct line of communication between the sheriff's office and local townships. Deputies have volunteered to serve as representatives of the department in the communities they live in. Murphy introduced the program and Cambridge's local liaison to town board members in July.

Winchell said residents who attend board meetings are people who care for their communities.

"(This) gives them a direct line" to the sheriff's office, he said. "It puts a face on the sheriff's department."