Wooster detectives are trying to solve a rash of similar home burglaries in which doors were busted open and expensive jewelry was stolen.
There have been six cases since November, with the most recent crime reported last week.
Dave and Jennifer Patterson celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on the night of Dec. 9, but upon their return home, they found their front door kicked open.
Checks were stolen from their office and rings, necklaces and bracelets worth about $50,000 were snatched from their bedroom.
"These people are driven to get unjustly enriched by anyone who can be victimized, and unfortunately, we're on that list," Dave said.
Jennifer told News 5 that much of the jewelry was irreplaceable because it belonged to her late mother and her sister, who recently passed away.
"All those things are gone and then I had some custom pieces made with my mother's jewelry and those are gone," Jennifer said. "Despicable people, I think."
Dave said police lifted possible footprints from both inside the home and in the snow in the front and back yards, but police haven't been able to track down the thieves yet.
Jim and Debbie Sidle were also out to dinner on Dec. 2 and returned home to a similar, scary scene.
Their front door was also forced open. After they realized their home had been broken into, they ran outside and hid behind a tree to call police.
Debbie lost an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 worth of jewelry, including her wedding rings, diamond earrings, and sentimental family pieces.
"I just want to know who did it. I know I'll never get the stuff back, but I would just like to look them in the eye," Debbie said.
The victims suspect the crooks are scoping out neighborhoods and waiting for people to leave their homes before they strike.
Anyone who has information on the burglaries is encouraged to contact the Wooster Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-287-5720. In addition, citizens are asked to report anything out out of the ordinary by calling 330-287-5702.
