Posted on 01/21/2013 3:30:09 PM PST by BenLurkin
MURRIETA [California] (CBSLA.com) — Police are warning residents Monday suspects are using a new technique to determine whether Murrieta homes are occupied before ransacking the properties.
KNX 1070′s Tom Reopelle reports police are warning residents to stay alert and keep valuables secured.
The burglars are believed to be targeting homes, tripping circuit breakers and then breaking in to steal jewelry and unsecured firearms, Murrieta Police Sgt. Don Weller said.
“The bad guys will go out and turn the power off to the residence, and they’ll stand outside waiting to see if there’s any response from inside, and if there isn’t a response, they’ll make their way into the house,” said Weller.
The technique was reported three times in the span of four hours, Weller said. Of those three, only one of those incidents was a confirmed burglary where property was taken. Police were called to investigate the second incident, only to find the suspects had fled the scene.
Weller said neighbors can be of particular help in preventing these types of burglaries.
“Always be aware of your surroundings, and always pay attention to what’s going on outside the street in front of your house, and especially your neighbor’s house,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding the burglaries is asked to contact the police at (951) 696-3615.
Most people ignore a car alarm. If it goes long enough at night someone might call in a noise complaint.
I always thought a flash lamp would be a good temporary disabler in the dark. Maybe you could combine it with a swinging duffel bag or something. It’s tough to work these things through.
Tyranny Response Rifle and my NVG’s. And my lawyers business card.
My alarm system is powered by dog food and gun powder.
A little armor never hurt either.
At times like that, I’d wish I had a couple Dobermans as well.
“Most people ignore a car alarm.”
That’s why you let your neighbors know. There’s about 25’ between houses where I live.
The LAPD arrived about 15 hours later.
You are lucky they still show up. In Bakersfield they tell you to fill a report out online.
They even told me to “bag” the knife which was sitting out all day unprotected. I told them I go to bed early and not to wake me.
So, in the middle of the night, “BANG, BANG, BANG”. I looked out the window in my PJs and the 2 police were standing on the lawn shining flash lights at the house.
They did call the next day however and came over to dust for prints.
I shudder to think if they even try to come out for a burglary in progress.
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