String Of Burglaries Target Big Screen TV's

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Police are searching for some big-screen burglars. There were three separate burglaries in midtown Tulsa on Wednesday, and police say in each case, the burglars tried to make off with televisions.

Thieves actually kicked down Dorris Vaughan's door while she was asleep inside. Vaughn has her 52-inch television back. But her door is still splintered, and much her cutlery is missing.

Doris is suffering from allergies, is on medication, and was out cold when thieves busted in Wednesday afternoon. She didn't come to until the police arrived.

"When they woke me up, I was dead to the world, and startled.  I had six policemen in my house," said Vaughan.

TPD was already busy responding to burglaries. Earlier in the morning, around 3:30, police say burglars broke into a home in an upscale neighborhood on 31st Street. They grabbed a TV, but took off after being confronted by the homeowner.

"Began to load it up, carry it and leave the house. Homeowners woke up, interrupted the burglary and scared them off," said TPD Sgt. Gary Otterstrom.

Thieves had better luck a few hours later at a home on Utica. Again, the homeowners were asleep during the break-in. TPD says the burglars got in through an unlocked door and took, among other things, a 60-inch flat screen.

They also found the keys to the family's BMW, loaded the loot in the car, and drove off.

Doris is still assessing the damage, and trying to figure out exactly what the burglars took. Still, she says she is lucky to have slept through the whole ordeal.

"It was very fortunate that I didn't wake up. Since they had a gun, I think I was very fortunate," said Vaughan.

Police say the thieves responsible for this burglary were scared off when a witness spotted them carrying the television to their car, which is described as older model Chevy Impala.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.