Real-life grinches burgle Flower Mound’s swanky Tour 18 subdivision

by Staff of The Cross Timbers Gazette

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The break-ins occurred during the neighborhood Christmas party.

FLOWER MOUND — Flower Mound police are investigating seven residential burglaries that occurred between 8 and 11 p.m. Friday night in the upscale Tour 18 subdivision on the west side of town.

Police said that the suspects forced entry into the homes through either a window or back door and took various jewelry items.

"My understanding by the way they entered and what was stolen is that the robbers were professionals," said Tour 18 resident Kelli Calabrese. "They cut the safe out of one neighbor's closet and removed it."

Burglaries were reported in the 5600 and 5800 block of Southern Hills Drive, 5500 and 8600 block of Lighthouse Drive, 5600 block of Pine Valley, and 5700 block of Masters Court.

One of the break-ins occurred at the home of Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, according to police reports.

There are approximately 142 homes in Tour 18, with an average home valued at $1 million.

No one was home during the thefts and police received only one burglar alarm call from the neighborhood, according to Flower Mound Assistant Police Chief Wendell Mitchell.

“The neighborhood Christmas party was taking place at the same time as the robberies,” said Calabrese. “Thank God no one was hurt.”

Police are trying to figure out how the bandits got into the neighborhood, which has an entry gate manned 24 hours a day.

Resident Mark Nolan recalled a similar burglary in Tour 18 about three years ago. “The suspect came across the golf course to get into the neighborhood,” said Nolan.

Calabrese said that the crime wave has put everyone in her community on heightened alert.

"Neighbors are being more vigilant to lock doors, take keys out of cars, and turn alarm systems on. We have also increased security patrolling the neighborhood and we are banning together to watch each others' properties as well as alert the guard and neighbors when we travel."

Mitchell said that residents should not be hesitant to call police anytime something does not look right.

“We would rather come and check out something to be on the safe side and have more of a presence in the area,” said Mitchell. “We also offer our residents vacation house checks and free home security inspections.”

“It is important to stay alert and aware,” said Flower Mound Mayor Tom Hayden. “Just because you’re in a safe town like Flower Mound and live inside a gated community does not guarantee that crime will not occur.”

The Flower Mound Police Department is requesting anyone with information about the crimes to call 972-539-0525 or the Anonymous Crime Tip Line at 972-874-3307.

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