Happy ending for theft victims, wayward ferret

	Ann Street resident Joe Caviston has been reunited with his ferret Rocco. Caviston and his roommates were the victims of theft, which included their missing pet, which has since returned. Melissa Evanko/Pocono Record

STROUDSBURG — Five roommates came home from a long night of fun and hit the sack in their apartment near the Ann Street outlet complex.

"When we got up, we all asked if someone pulled a prank," said Joe Caviston.

But it was no prank.

They woke up to see keys, wallets, laptops and other items gone. Worst of all, they found their pet ferret's cage door wide open and Rocco missing.

"We were out until about 4 a.m. that night and the last one of us fell asleep around 5 a.m.," Caviston said. "We narrowed it down to him (the thief) coming in shortly after 5 a.m."

Valuable electronics including digital cameras and cell phones were stolen on the night of Dec. 12.

"We were out until about 4 a.m. that night and the last one of us fell asleep around 5 a.m.," Caviston said. "We narrowed it down to him (the thief) coming in shortly after 5 a.m."

Valuable electronics including digital cameras and cell phones were stolen on the night of Dec. 12.

"The thief went through all of our cars too. He was good at what he did," Caviston said.

The only lucky break was that Rocco the ferret was apparently dropped as the thief made his escape.

"We found Rocco outside later that day. He was curled up under the neighbor's porch scared," Caviston said. "We think that the thief took Rocco, but he was able to get away."

Caviston put an ad on the Web site Craigslist.com asking for any information and offering a reward.

"I can't describe the fear and feeling of violation that takes place knowing while we slept, someone broke into our home and helped themselves to our personal property, at times reaching over our sleeping heads to steal things," Caviston posted on Craigslist.

Although they didn't get any response to the ad, there is a happy ending for the five friends.

"The police came by to tell us that they found our stuff in a house on Second Street," Caviston said. "They found everything but the projector, which I think would be the easiest to sell."

This news came exactly one week after the robbery.

Caviston warned neighbors to keep their doors locked and valuables secure. The incident also shows that it's good to keep electronics away from necessary chargers and batteries. The items are more difficult to sell without their accessories.

The roommates praised Stroud Area Regional Police Department.

"They took good care of us, explaining everything," Caviston said. "I want to commend them on their work."

The guys are also happy that there fragile furry friend made it through the ordeal.

"It is amazing that Rocco survived being out in the cold. He's used to warmth," Caviston said.