Broome County Neighbors Help Deputies Catch Burglary Suspect

Sometimes it really does pay to keep an eye on what’s happening in your neighborhood. That’s exactly what happened in Broome County when a few observant neighbors noticed something that didn’t quite add up and decided to report it. Their call helped deputies stop what authorities say was a burglary in progress.

Neighbors Spot Suspicious Activity

According to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home on Yarnes Road in the Town of Colesville around 11:00 p.m. on March 3 after neighbors reported a suspicious vehicle parked outside a residence.

The homeowners were away for the winter, so the neighbors immediately knew something seemed off. What really caught their attention were fresh footprints in the snow leading from the vehicle to the house.

That was enough to prompt a call to authorities.

When deputies arrived, they discovered the vehicle was registered to a 44-year-old man named Christopher West from Deposit. Investigators reached the homeowner, who confirmed that no one had permission to be inside the house.

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Deputies then followed the trail of footprints through the snow. The prints led them to a broken basement entryway at the rear of the home. Inside the basement, they located the suspect, who complied with verbal commands and was taken into custody without incident.

Suspect Caught Stealing Copper Pipes

During the investigation, deputies discovered that multiple sections of copper water piping had been cut from the basement ceiling. Authorities say the suspect was found with tools, including a pry bar and a pipe cutter.

Copper theft has been an ongoing issue in many areas because the metal can be sold for scrap, often causing thousands of dollars in damage to homes and buildings.

Suspect Faces Multiple Charges

Following the investigation, West was charged with:

• Burglary in the Second Degree
• Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree
• Possession of Burglar Tools

West was processed, arraigned, and remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

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Neighbors’ Quick Action Thwarts Burglary

Sheriff Fred Akshar credited the neighbors for paying attention and speaking up. Situations like this are a reminder that simple awareness can make a big difference.

Something as small as noticing unfamiliar footprints in the snow helped deputies stop a crime and protect someone’s home. And in this case, it all started with neighbors who trusted their instincts and made a call.