Clear Image Captured Of Suspected Serial Burglar
By Tom Mustin
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4) - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is looking for a bold criminal captured on a home surveillance camera. Neighbors believe he may be tied to several burglaries in Highlands Ranch.
Residents in the Stratton Ridge area of Highlands Ranch are on alert after a series of brazen break- ins.
"Everybody thinks they live in a safe neighborhood. I don't think anybody is really safe anymore,"Stratton Ridge property manager Diana Behrent told CBS4's Tom Mustin
Last Sunday afternoon surveillance video captured a man strolling through a home after kicking in the front door. He drove off in a large sedan after stealing jewelry. Resident Steve Williams says the brash crime has neighbors talking.
"It seemed unusual somebody would be so brazen to come into a neighborhood on Sunday when everybody is out working on yards and stuff and just kick somebody's door down," Williams said. "It's a different world now."
Neighbors say the break-ins have been going on for months. Heather Viano had her home broken into a few weeks ago, also on a Sunday during the day. The thief got away with thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise.
"They took wedding rings, jewelry. iPads, and a shotgun," Viano said.
Viano said she had been home all day and left for 45 minutes on an errand. She believes she was being watched, and may have surprised the thief when she returned home.
"I think he snuck downstairs to the basement and went out the basement door while I was sitting outside. I think they'll be back again. I have no doubt," she said.
The sheriff's office says the crook may have two accomplices -- a white male with a black or brown beard, and a Hispanic male with a goatee. They may be driving a black Ford F-150.
As deputies search for the elusive burglars, Viano spoke for her weary neighbors.
"I hope the guy is caught and justice is done," she said.
Additional Information From The Douglas County Sheriff's Office
If you know the identity of the suspect, or have any information that may be helpful in the case, call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The number is (303) 660-7500.
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.
