Police Investigate Series Of Home Burglaries In Northern San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — Authorities are investigating a series of home burglaries in northern San Diego.

About 20 residential burglaries have been reported in recent weeks in the Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo and Rancho Penasquitos areas, according to the San Diego Police Department. The cases appear to be related due to the suspects' method of operation.

"The suspects appear to target mostly corner houses. After identifying the target location, the suspects enter the home through a rear sliding glass door," Lt. David Bautista said. "In several cases, the glass on the door was broken to gain entry. In at least one instance, the sliding glass door was left unsecured, allowing the suspects to enter."

The suspects, who appear to be men in their late teens or early 20s, ransacked the homes, stealing cash, jewelry and safes, Bautista said. In one case, a surveillance camera captured video of the suspects loading a large, stolen safe into what appeared to be a small, late-model, possible dark-colored SUV.

"We do not have any additional suspect information nor do we have additional information regarding the suspect(s) vehicle," Bautista said.

Anyone with information about the burglaries was asked to contact Bautista at dbautista@pd.sandiego.gov or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.