Brazen burglaries prompt Jeffco warning

JEFFERSON COUNTY – A spate of recent brazen home burglaries in South Jeffco leaves authorities concerned that the crimes could escalate to violence because the burglars often break in while residents are at home.

Jim Shires, Sheriff’s Office spokesman, told reporters there is no way to know what the burglars might do if confronted.

Five burglaries were reported during the evening and nighttime hours between May 26 and May 28. The victims were home when three of those burglaries occurred. All were in the Columbine Knolls and Foothills green neighborhoods.

Sheriff’s investigators believe the burglars enter the residences through the back door sometimes breaking in, but in some cases they simply opened an unlocked rear door, Shires said.

The thieves generally take items that are easy to carry and get rid of, including firearms, money jewelry, purses and laptop computers. In two cases, victims’ credit cards were used at a nearby convenience store within hours of the crimes.

After one of the burglaries, witnesses saw a possible suspect carrying guns through a nearby park. He is described as a stocky black man about 5 feet, 7-inches tall wearing a black “do-rag”.

Shires said residents should make sure their doors – including garage doors – and windows are secured before they go to bed or lave the house. He also urged gun owners to store firearms in a gun safe or another secure place.  Residents also should install motion-sensor lights and alarms and participate in neighborhood watch groups.

Investigators warn anyone who believes an intruder might be inside or attempting to get inside their homes to lock themselves in a room and call 911. Shires said potential victims should never confront an intruder.

Anyone seeing suspicious people or activity in their neighborhood should immediately call the Sheriff’s Office at 303-271-0211, but if an emergency response is needed, call 911.