Residents in a Burbank neighborhood are on alert after burglars struck several homes over the past week. As police investigate, they point out that the thefts offer valuable some home safety lessons. Ted Chen reports from Burbank for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2014.
A rash of burglaries in Burbank has residents on edge as the police try to pin down the person responsible for the brazen daytime break-ins.
The burglaries occurred in seven homes between May 16 and May 19, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the west end of Burbank (map), according to the Burbank Police Department.
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The thieves have gotten away with electronics, money, jewelry and cigars, and police believe the break-ins may be linked.
"It appears that all of these burglaries were consistent in nature," Burbank Police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said.
Police urged residents to take precautions to prevent being burglarized:
- Keep doors and windows locked and closed.
- Trim trees and shrubs so burglars have nowhere to hide.
- Put lights on automatic timers, and install motion sensor lights.
- Get to know your neighbors, and tell them when you'll be away so they can watch your home.
- Put up signs and stickers warning of an alarm or dogs.
Residents were in disbelief to hear about so many crimes in such a small period of time.
"This is really the first time I've heard of our neighborhood hit by robbers in a rash," Jules Ford said.
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Resident John Sasorski said he believes his neighborhood is safe enough to leave the door open.
"My wife opens door like that, you know, and goes to store, because she forgets to close it," said Sasorski, whose children want him to be more secure.
The burglars have not been caught, and anyone with information should call Burbank police.
