Burglary foiled thanks to watchful neighbors

Three men have been arrested and property recovered after observant neighbors reported a burglary in south Wichita at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

Police responded to a residence in the 100 block of East 44th Street South after neighbors reported seeing a suspicious vehicle. Wichita police Sgt. Nikki Woodrow said the home had been burglarized the day before and neighbors had been asked by the residents to keep an eye out for any unusual activity.

After officers arrived, they found the suspicious car, a 2000 black Toyota, still near the house.

While investigating the burglary, dispatch received a call reporting the vehicle as stolen. Officers were led to the City Host Motel in the 4400 block of South Broadway where they encountered three men, two were 20 years old, one was 21. Upon searching the motel room and the car, officers discovered stolen property belonging to the victim from both burglaries. Two televisions, three purses and personal items, including identification, were recovered.

All three suspects were booked on suspicion of burglary and theft.

“This is an excellent example of how citizens in the city take care of one another,” Woodrow said. “The police department encourages citizens to call 911 when they see any type of suspicious activity in their neighborhood, so officers can quickly respond. The help from Wichita citizens is invaluable and the work of these neighbors should be applauded.”

This story was originally published June 10, 2016 at 11:57 AM with the headline "Burglary foiled thanks to watchful neighbors."