SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Police Department is investigating a series of residential burglaries in Mira Mesa that appear to target mostly corner houses.
There have been about 20 cases that appear to be related in Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos and Rancho Bernardo since February 8, according to police. Investigators believe they are related due to the suspects' methods. After identifying a house to target, the suspects have been entering through a rear sliding glass door.
In most cases, they gained entry through the rear sliding door by either breaking the glass or simply opening it if it was left unlocked, police said.
The thieves have taken safes, cash and jewelry from the homes. A video from SDPD shows the young men taking a large safe from one of the homes before loading it into what appeared to be a small, possibly dark color SUV.
The suspects seem to be men in their late teens or early 20s, police said.
In all of eleven cases that happened before March 7, the homes were unoccupied at the time of the burglaries.
“To give the appearance that somebody is home by leaving lights on or a television when you do leave the home for any length of time," said Lt. David Bautista, lead investigator with SDPD's Northeastern Division. "Be sure to lock your doors and windows and activate any alarms if you do have them.”
Police encourage Mira Mesa residents to call if they see any vehicles matching the one in the video or if they see any suspicious activities. Anyone with related information should contact Lt. David Bautista via email at dbautista@pd.sandiego.gov or contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
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