Burglar Smashes Patio Door In Strongsville

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Over the weekend, a burglar shattered a patio door with a rock, walked into a house on Yarrow Place and stole jewelry. Police have released video footage of the suspect.

In a statement, Strongsville police said there is a growing trend of burglars using rocks to break glass doors and get into homes. Most of the crimes occur at dark. "Our patrol division and detective bureau are working hard to catch these burglars," police said.

There has been an uptick in burglaries throughout Northeast Ohio and similar crimes have occurred in Solon, Willoughby Hills and North Ridgeville, among others. To prevent further crimes, police are asking for the public's help.

"These crooks will be caught more quickly if there are more eyes watching out for things that don't look right. Please call us if you see a suspicious vehicle driving slowly through the neighborhood or parked in the street that you have never seen. If you hear glass breaking or an alarm, we might be able to catch these burglars in the act," police said.

Officers said they would rather respond to a call that turns out to be nothing, than to a house that has been ransacked.

"Look out for your fellow neighbors and talk to them. Let them know when you will be gone. Make sure the exterior of your house is lit and buy cameras. Leave lights on in the inside of your home. Don't make your house a susceptible target," police said.

Anyone who sees something suspicious, or knows anything about the burglary on Yarrow, should contact Strongsville police at 440-238-7373.