21 home burglaries in 6 days in VB

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia Beach police are investigating 21 Jan. home burglaries that happened in a span of six days.

Those who live in the Bellamy Woods neighborhood consider it a good place for families, a nice area to live. So, when word spread of a burglary nearby, residents were surprised.

"It's a middle American, nice suburban area, which you have throughout most of Virginia Beach and you don't expect it to happen," George Hodermarsky said.

Hodermarsky has lived in Bellamy Woods for nearly 15 years.

"I can recall one or two incidents in the whole time, so yes, when it's close to home it makes you think a bit and perhaps be more careful about making sure your doors are locked, garage door is down, not leaving things out," Hodermarsky said.

In Hodermarsky's neighborhood, nearly $2,000 worth of computers, video games and money were stolen from one home Jan. 5. The resident of the home told WAVY.com she plans to use insurance money to install a home security system.

Several miles away in The Lakes area of Virginia Beach, burglars stole more than $4,200 worth of a family's property, including electronics and a wedding ring.

Those are just two of 21 burglaries throughout the city in a six day span.

"That number sounds pretty small, but in a nice suburban area like most of Virginia Beach, you really don't expect it," Hodermarsky said.

In the Salem Lakes area, some residents were shocked to learn what was stolen for their neighbors.

"My neighbor came over. She was upset, said that somebody had broken into her house and took her dogs," Charity Peregoy recalled.

Peregoy is still a bit stunned someone broke into her neighbors' home and stole their two bulldogs, Dolce and Red.

"I think that's maybe a little personal, on a personal level, like potentially someone knew the bulldogs were in there or that those dogs, those particular dogs of high price value, were in there," Peregoy said.

The combined estimated value of the bulldogs is $4,100 dollars, according to a police report. However, Peregoy says she knows family pets are priceless. She has two herself.

Peregoy added, "I would be heartbroken...they're like my kids. They're a part of the family. We treat them like they're one of us, so if somebody were to come in and take my dogs, I'd be highly upset."

Police are busy searching for the thieves and the stolen property. Hodermarsky is thankful nothing worse happened.

"Fortunately, it hasn't been the violent crimes...property you can replace. When you have violent crimes, that's a whole different story."