South Bay police warn of new type of burglary targeting empty homes

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. ( KRON ) — In the South Bay, police are warning residents to be on the lookout for thieves who break into empty buildings. The Los Altos Police Department is reporting an increase in burglaries of vacant homes.

In recent weeks, thieves have been targeting homes that are for sale and unoccupied. Burglars enter vacant houses and steal items that have been staged inside, presumably by realtors trying to sell the homes. Thieves have stolen large appliances, including stoves and refrigerators.

Police say that most of these burglaries have happened at night or in the early morning. LAPD is asking residents to report any suspicious activity at home remodel construction sites or houses that appear to be vacant.

Los Alto PD Sgt. Steve Spillman said, “Let us know what they observe. If they are able to get a license plate or suspect description that would help us out greatly.”

Police are also reminding neighbors to keep doors and windows locked, make sure home alarms are working.

So far, police have not identified the locations where these burglaries occurred. They have also not released any suspect descriptions.

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