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String Of Burglaries Has Similar Pattern Of Theft


DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies are searching for burglars who strike while their victims are at work, in the middle of the day.

The on-going crime spree has been targeted to two neighborhoods in Douglas County, Highlands Ranch and Parker. Both areas have reported a spike in daytime burglaries since 2009. Fourteen homes have been hit since March of this year.

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(credit: CBS)

Deputies said in some cases, the thieves are pulling their own car into the victims' garage so they can load up on stolen merchandise, without being seen. Once they get inside, those thieves grab electronics, jewelry and cash.

"They're able to park their car in the garage or close to the garage and then they'll use that door that goes from the garage into the house to gain entry," said Douglas County Sheriff Sgt. Ron Hanavan.

The thieves are in and out within minutes, often unseen.

"You don't expect it here at all. We feel pretty safe in this neighborhood," said concerned neighbor Coleen Sophia.

Sophia lives in a neighborhood targeted by the burglars. She vows to be on alert.

"Be more aware and really watch out for the ones I know are working out of the home because I'm home all day," said Sophia.

Investigators believe the suspects could be a team working together. One stays in the car while the other knocks on the front door to see if anyone is home. If no one answers, that's when they take action.

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