Highlands Ranch Residents Happy About 'Doggie Door Bandit' Arrest
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4/AP) — A woman has been arrested in Douglas County on suspicion of trying to burglarize a home by entering through a pet door — and officials are investigating if she's involved in other area pet-door break-ins.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says Mackenzie Mavis, 20, was arrested Friday after awakening a homeowner in Highlands Ranch. It says the homeowner chased Mavis outside and detained her until officers arrived.
Sgt. Ron Hanavan said Wednesday that authorities are investigating 12 pet-door burglaries in the Highlands Ranch area. He said more details were being withheld because the investigation is ongoing.
"We are trying to determine if in fact she was involved in all of them, or at least some of them," Hanavan said.
Because of her possible connection to the other crimes her mug shot hasn't been released.
Burglary victim Greg Miller didn't mince words after the possible arrest of the alleged Doggy Door Bandit.
"Justice prevails over stupidity," Miller told CBS4.
Four weeks ago someone stole his iPhone and cash.
Mavis' parents told CBS4 they're devastated by the arrest. But Miller said he and his neighbors are overjoyed.
"Hopefully it will prevent any future burglaries, and good luck to her parents," he said.
The sheriff's department said there might be more victims that don't even know it yet, so they're expecting more calls.
Mavis was being held on $50,000 bond on suspicion of second-degree burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
RELATED: Thieves in Douglas County Target Homes With Dog Doors
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
