Theft calls spike during winter months INDIANAPIOLIS (WISH) — A local family said they arrived home to their worst nightmare: Nearly all of their valuables were gone, stolen in a break-in worth thousands of dollars. Police say this isn’t unusual during this time of year. Indianapolis Metr opolitan Police Department officials say theft calls consistently spike during the winter months. “They took a bag full of flash drives,” Lashel Collier-Jones said. “It had memories of my mom that she had left for her children.” The list of items that were stolen from the Jones family was long. Some of the stolen items included jewelry passed down through generations, electronics, shoes, tools, car keys, purses, clothing, Christmas gifts, and many other precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced from Lashel’s late family members. “My son had to wear slides to school because they took all of his other shoes,” Tyree Jones said. Lashel and Tyree live on the west side of Indianapolis. After a quick vacation, they returned home to their house in shambles. “They violated us,” Lashel said. “My husband works hard. He goes to work, comes home, and sometimes, his feet are so sore. We didn’t deserve this.” IMPD officials report the spikes of theft during winter are sometimes due to earlier darkness, homes being left empty during the holiday season, and more packages being unattended. Tyree said they did everything right. Their house was completely locked up when they left. “Monday, when we returned, when they came back through the door, there was big footprints with snow still on the floor,” Lashel said. “They had just came in, and we knew they were coming back to get more.” Tyree said the only thing they wish they’d had in place looking back is security cameras. Police say visible cameras, well-lit homes, and locking all entry points are your most effective ways to prevent break-ins. “All the things that are missing, if we get them back, we get them back,” Lashel said. “But I want my mother’s things. I am going to tell you that. I also want my son’s things.” IMPD officials say that doors and ground-level windows are the most common points of entry. For the Jones family, their back door was kicked in. Installing added security, like extra locks on doors, could be the difference between items being safe and items being stolen. IMPD officials told News 8 this break-in has caused a difficult decision for the family, to move away from the home they once felt safe in. “We weren’t planning on leaving this soon,” Lashel said. “But we are leaving Monday, and we are out of here.” If you are looking to support the Jones Family during this difficult time, you can click this link. ...read more read less