Holiday Theft

Imagine walking into your own home and everything is gone. That`s exactly what happened to one local family...and now they`re left just a week before christmas with nothing. It only takes a few seconds...your lock is broken, and a criminal is in your home. That`s just what happened to the Cassie and James Herron and their family, "you feel like someone came in and totally wronged you, they took personal things that we can`t replace." From underwear to furniture..the burglars took nearly 20-thousand dollars worth of items, "everything we`ve worked for is gone and there`s no way to rebuild it, we can`t afford it." and all gone just a week before christmas. But how do you make sure your not a victim of holiday home theft? Officials from the Joplin Police Department say you should get to know your neighbors and let them know you gone or have someone check on your house. Officials say its also a good idea to have someone house-sit while your gone, or to put your lights on a timer system. Police say 60-year old Patti Thomson is now behind bars for allegedly robbing the Herron`s home. Cassie and James Herron are in desperate need of several items, including coats, clothes, shoes, and diapers. If you would like to help contact the Joplin Police Department. Reported By: Courtney Cullor