Hillsborough Police Examine Series of Burglaries

Police in Hillsborough are trying to determine if a series of home burglaries that have been reported in the city this month are related.

Inspector Peter Gould said the string of residential break-ins are similar in that they take place during the day when many homes are unoccupied, but so far no common suspect descriptions have emerged from witness accounts.

"They're similar only because of a similar technique," Gould said, adding that in most cases the burglars appeared to have quickly forced their way in, stolen cash or jewelry and quickly fled. "There is no commonality in the vehicles or description of the suspects."

The most recent burglary occurred in the city Monday at a home in the 1500 block of Bellevue Avenue, sometime between 9:10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Gould said. A suspect or suspects forced open a back door to gain entry and took cash and jewelry before fleeing.

In three other recent burglaries -- two on June 1 and a third on Friday -- the burglars also gained entry to the victims' homes by prying open rear sliding doors or French doors, Gould said.

The police department is reminding residents to help prevent break-ins by being certain all side and rear doors are securely locked. Home alarm systems have been also an effective deterrent, Gould said.

The police department is asking residents to immediately report any suspicious people or activity in residential neighborhoods by calling 911. Hillsborough police is meeting with several other police agencies to compare similar burglaries that have recently plagued Peninsula communities.

--Bay City News