Police believe at least one suspect in a home burglary in Morgan Hill has been driving the white Jeep Cherokee on the left, photographed from a neighbor's surveillance video camera.
First it was a flurry of auto break-ins in early February, and the last couple of weeks a wave of residential burglaries has kept Morgan Hill Police busy.
Between Feb. 22 and Thursday, police reported four burglaries in neighborhoods scattered on the edges of town, in the areas of Bluebonnet Way, Sara Jane Lane, Calle Florencia and San Carlos Place. Items stolen include computers, iPods, jewelry, and other valuables.
Sgt. Jerry Neumayer said up to two suspects have entered all four homes through an unlocked rear window, or by breaking the glass on a window or sliding glass door.
"We believe the suspect or suspects may be canvassing neighborhoods and homes to identify which ones may be unoccupied," Neumayer said.
One of the burglaries was partially recorded on a surveillance video camera from a victim's neighbor's house, according to Neumayer.
The video shows one male burglar who had parked an older model white Jeep Cherokee with black trim in the driveway of the home next door. He approached the home's front door on at least two separate occasions, and eventually appeared to go around to the back of the house. After about 15 minutes, Neumayer said, the man exited the front door and walked to the passenger's side of the Jeep, apparently to drop off stolen items. He then went back into the house for several seconds and then ran back to the vehicle and drove away.
In another burglary, which happened about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, a resident reported hearing the doorbell ring several times but not answering it. Two suspects, believing no one was home, went to the rear of the house and tried to break the window. The resident yelled at them, and the would-be burglars fled. They were described as Hispanic males, 20 to 30 years old, and short.
Neumayer said three of the burglaries occurred between 9 a.m. and noon. One happened about 6 p.m.
"(We) encourage the citizens of Morgan Hill to lock and secure their homes prior to leaving them," said Neumayer. "We also encourage the citizens to report any suspicious persons or vehicles in their neighborhoods to the police."
From Feb. 12 to Feb. 19, police reported 17 auto burglaries, mostly in the area of Butterfield Boulevard and Dunne Avenue. No suspects have been caught in connection with those crimes. Also on Feb. 11, police arrested Matthew Lenwell, 21, who was caught in the act of allegedly burglarizing a home near La Crosse Drive and Las Coches Court.
Anyone with information may call MHPD at (408) 779-2101.
Michael Moore Michael Moore covers county and law enforcement issues for the Morgan Hill Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106, ext. 202, or mmoore@morganhilltimes.com.
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