Thieves break into Salem home, cook meal

SALEM, Mass. (WHDH) -- Investigators say a thief broke into a house in Salem and allegedly cooked a meal before making off with items Wednesday.

Thomas Thompson’s home was trashed. He thinks a few teens took advantage of an empty house; he's been staying with family after his mother passed away.

“It was a complete mess. The back doors were left open. The wind was blowing through,” Thompson said.

And whoever broke in apparently had an appetite for destruction.

"This is what they cooked on, I cleaned the place up, but there was food all over the counter,” Thompson said.

Leftovers of ravioli and rice were thrown in the trash bag. And if that wasn't odd enough, Thompson thinks they spent the night, partying way too hard.

“And we got a broken window too,” Thompson said.

The suspect, or suspects, took off with a new mountain bike and a coat; about $600 worth. Thompson is outraged.

“Of course I’m angry but I’m going to try my best to keep the place buttoned up,” Thompson said.

Salem police are investigating, and some neighbors may help point them in the right direction.

“There was a neighbor who actually indicated there was someone familiar to family in the yard. It’s probably around the same time that this happened -- there's a little lack of clarity,” an officer said.

But whoever's behind the brazen break-in has already done the damage.

“I have no idea. They’re kids. I’m guessing they’re kids,” Thompson said.

Thompson told 7News this was the second time his home has been broken into.