Even with high rates of unemployment this holiday season, Lower Moreland Detective Sgt. John MacDonald said the increase in burglaries in the township can be attributed to something other than the sinking economy - narcotics.

"These people aren't your average Joes that were laid off and are now breaking into homes for money," he said. "This is an increase in crimes related to drugs rather than burglaries."

Although MacDonald said a rise in break-ins is expected during the holiday season, the difference this year is the police are putting the offenders behind bars.

[continues 575 words]