Police investigating burglary where suspect used crate to gain entry to Gates home

GATES, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Gates Police Department is searching for a suspect after they got a call from a victim Tuesday morning, saying someone broke into her home and stood inside her bedroom, asking for money.

Police say the suspect climbed inside an open window. The victim lives on Morncrest Drive. Police say they were out walking the streets trying to locate a suspect that was allegedly walking up and down driveways looking inside different cars, that’s when the second call from the victim came in, saying someone was inside her house.

Police say Tuesday morning around 2:15 a.m., they got a call from a woman saying a man was standing in her bedroom, asking for money. Investigators say the man got into the home by using a crate to climb through an unlocked window. In fear, the woman gave the man money, and he ran out through the garage. Police say he also allegedly stole some other items too. Police are urging neighbors in that area of Morncrest Drive to keep outside lights on and lock up their homes.

"Especially at night time, turning on lights having any external cameras is always helpful, I know it’s common to have those and can help in solving incidents like this,” Sgt. Matthew Pascarella said.

Fortunately, the woman was not hurt. The suspect was described as being 6’4", African American, and was wearing all dark clothing with a mask. Gates Police say there were two other burglaries Tuesday morning that they believe are all connected. They’ll be providing extra patrols in the neighborhoods surrounding Morncrest Drive, Renouf Drive, Cheshire Drive, Merrydale Drive, and Dolman Drive. Anyone with information is asked to call the police.