Candy Wrappers Lead Guthrie Police To Burglar

Guthrie police solved a home burglary case using candy wrappers. It happened in early November when the family left town for one night.

When they returned the next morning, a door was open and the home had been completely ransacked, according to Guthrie police Sgt. Anthony Gibbs.

“Somebody had just gone through personal items, identity documents, had dragged a safe down the stairs, did a lot of damage to the inside of the house, ended up stealing items that were valued in excess of $13,000,” Gibbs said. “There was a rosary, an antique watch, some firearms, just different family heirlooms that were important to them.”

Police said they also stole a bag of candy from the home. Evidence of that was found next to the stolen safe outside in an alley nearby, Gibbs said. Investigators just kept finding candy wrappers. In fact, the trail led them six to eight blocks away to a garbage can, according to police.

Sure enough, Gibbs said many items taken from the family's home were in that garbage can and later recovered.

As many Oklahomans make plans to travel this upcoming holiday season, police recommend keeping a light on or installing a motion light, and asking a neighbor to watch your home while you’re away.

“It does so much. We get so many calls from something like that and stop burglaries in progress from nosy neighbors – we love those,” Gibbs told News 9.

Gibbs said dogs are often good security because of their barking. He also recommended residents refrain from leaving their gift trash at the street for pickup.

Police said they have identified at least two people who may be responsible. But at this point, they're not releasing their names.

Warrants for two suspects will be issued soon and police said they could lead them to others possibly involved.