San Diego police investigating a series of home break-ins in northern San Diego say the number of reported cases have more than doubled in recent weeks, officials said Monday.
Police reported earlier this month that at least eight home burglaries occurred in Mira Mesa. Since then, at least 12 more homes have been tied to the series in the Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos and Rancho Bernardo communities, Lt. David Bautista said in a statement.
Investigators previously said the heists followed a similar pattern: the thieves have mostly targeted homes on corner lots, slipping in through unlocked rear sliding glass doors or by breaking the glass.
Once inside, the burglars ransack the homes, carrying off cash, jewelry and even safes.
Doorbell video from one home shows three men with their faces half-covered exiting a home while carrying a safe. They put the safe in an SUV parked at the curb and then drove away.
Investigators said the burglars appear to be men in their late teens or early 20s.
No further information was available Monday.
Police asked anyone with information about the burglaries to email Bautista at dbautista@pd.sandiego.gov. Anonymous tips can be left by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or online at sdcrimestoppers.org.
