Home invasions not a trend, officer says

YOUNGSTOWN —  Police are investigating a pair of home invasions on the city’s North Side and a third on the South Side in which intruders took money and other items from residents at gunpoint.

The aggravated robbery cases don’t appear to be connected, said Capt. Kenneth Centorame, chief of detectives.

The robbers are entering those homes through unlocked doors, Centorame said, noting that, during the summer, it’s not uncommon for people to leave their doors open to allow air to move into their homes.

It’s not a new phenomenon but isn’t a common occurrence either, he said, noting there have been similar cases in the past.

Police look for trends in crime but haven’t seen that developing with this type of robbery, Centorame said.

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