Cortland police chief issues warning after attempted burglary

CORTLAND — The city's acting police chief in Cortland says a Monday morning attempted burglary on Russell Avenue should serve as a reminder that burglars look for specific things before picking out a home to rob.

The homeowner on Russell was awakened by noises at her front door at 8:30 a.m. Monday and found a person dressed in black trying to pry open her front door.

She yelled, and the suspect fled a short distance toward Fowler Street, where it appears that he got into a vehicle, police said.

Acting Chief Tom Andrews says this time of year, burglars use snowfall to help them determine what homes to rob.

“Burglars will look for tire tracks in fresh snow as if the homeowners have left for work,” Andrews said in press release. “After possibly ringing the doorbell to see if anyone is home and getting no response, he will attempt to force entry,” Andrews said.

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