Gypsies Could Wreak Havoc on Nichols Hills

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

NICHOLS HILLS, Oklahoma -- Nichols Hills Police warned residents to be on the lookout for gypsies after a string of bizarre crimes.

The group is known as the Irish travelers and they've hit Nichols Hills before, breaking into homes. They were recently spotted in Kansas and possibly northern Oklahoma, prompting police to warn residents.

"It does seem kind of strange," resident Cody Hightower said. "It sounds like there's some people who don't shower very often, have dreadlocks or something."

Police say they look like everyday people. They go door to door, offering to do construction work and charge more than the agreed upon price, they break into homes and cars. The group attacks, then quickly skips town.

"They're very skilled," Detective Steven Cox said. "They know what's valuable and what's not. They take the highest priced items they can find and leave quickly."

People who work in the area said residents are safeguarding their belongings.

Police said the gypsies are heading this way.

Police said the gypsies come back every year around this time. They have trouble catching them because homeowners wait too long to call for help.