Rash of home break-ins concerns residents on Providence’s East Side

November 29, 2018 12:24 am

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — On the East Side, the mood is more anxious than festive this holiday season, as the search continues for home break-in suspect Tracy Alston, who police say is spreading plenty of Yuletide misery. Police have made a couple of arrests so far, but Alston, who they believe is behind it all, remains on the run.

The 52-year-old career criminal is suspected of hitting more than 15 homes all over the Hope and Wayland Square neighborhoods in just the past week–sometimes with an accomplice.

“Just target jewelry and money and if there are guns and things of that nature. That’s what they’re targeting,” said Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare.

Police say in some cases, people were actually inside when their homes were hit.

“There’s nothing worse than having your home broken into,” said Pare. “Particularly if someone is in the home when somebody breaks in, it’s pretty disturbing.”

“It’s a little scary, being alone in the house with the baby. But we do have an alarm, so I feel pretty safe with that,” said Karen Burton, who is a nanny at an East Side home.

Police say Alston’s criminal record dates back to 1984, and with several stints at the ACI, they say residents should consider him dangerous.

“Lock their doors. If you have an alarm system, use it. Neighbors, watch out for one another,” said Pare.

East Siders I spoke to say they’re doing just that.

“Listen, we’re a community and we’ve got to protect each other, and we’ve got to make sure our windows and doors are locked, and hopefully the police will grab him,” said Joseph Weiner.

If you live in this area, police urge you to stay vigilant, and if you see something, say something. If you spot Alston, or just a person or car that seems out place, you’re urged to call Providence Police.