Residents stay vigilant after spree of home break-ins

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two 17-year-olds are suspected of breaking into several homes in what police said is one of Charlotte's safest neighborhoods.
 
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department officials said Friday one suspect is in custody but the second is still on the loose.
 
Westover Division police are investigating the crimes and said they have been searching for the second teen since Monday, when eight homes in the Madison Park neighborhood were burglarized in just 12 hours. 
 
Residents said their neighborhood is known for its trees and safety.
 
Stephanie Stambolitis has lived in her home on Murrayhill Road for 36 years and said she always felt safe -- until now.
 
"That is what we're going to be doing from now on -- watching the street," Stambolitis said.
 
Eric Heineman is thankful for the watchful eye. 
 
Heineman's home was one of at least six home break-ins that CMPD confirmed are connected.
 
Two others that happened at the same time, in the same area, also may be part of Monday's 12-hour crime spree.
 
"It's unnerving to have to sleep Monday night with just plastic over your window when clearly they were bold enough to come in the middle of the day. Who knows what will happen at night?" Heineman said.
 
This week Heineman had a new home security system installed after burglars stole everything from shirts to laptops and alcohol. 
 
For a neighborhood unaccustomed to crime, residents said they are on the lookout.
 
Police said the Madison Park Homeowners' Association is one of the most active in Charlotte, and they credit it with being able to connect the burglaries and tracking down the suspects

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