Houston News: burglaries

Showing posts with label burglaries. Show all posts

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Rash of burglaries, theft in one north Harris County neighborhood

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There is concern from neighbors in one north Harris County community who are dealing with a big spike in burglaries.

There have been nearly two dozen homes broken into in just the past month in the Northridge Park area, nestled between I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road near Bush Intercontinental Airport.

In this neighborhood, people work hard and generally feel safe, especially with patrol unit cars parked in driveways.

"Sheriff stays there, HPD officer stays there," said one neighbor.

But lately, that's changed.

"It was just a surreal feeling to come into your house knowing someone had rummaged through there," said crime victim Greg Okuhara.

Last week, Okuhara came home from work to find someone kicked open his front door, ransacked his bedroom and stole his stuff.

"Some computers, Xbox gaming system, golf clubs and some hockey jerseys," said Okuhara.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office crime report, he is not alone. In the last 30 days, there have been 22 home burglaries within the 77073 zip code.

"I didn't think it was that high, but I knew it was pretty, pretty bad," said neighbor Roy Jackson. "Then when I saw it was kicked in a couple doors from my house I figured yes; that's why I'm checking on my stuff right now."

Forcing folks like Jackson to leave work twice a day, just to check on his house. It's a luxury most here can't afford, but Jackson's neighbors have peace of mind knowing someone is looking out for them.

"When your sense of security is violated like that, it's unfortunate," said Okuhara.

Besides the burglaries, there have been 32 thefts from cars in the last month.

local, sonia azad

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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Rash of car burglaries in the Heights

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Residents in the Heights are watching their cars after a rash of car break-ins. One resident says surveillance video captured a man looking to make a quick buck.

"It's been very common, if you leave your car outside, chances are at one time or another it'll be broken into," said neighbor Pamela Dreef.

Police say they've seen a rash of car burglaries reported in the Heights and residents are on alert. But at one home, surveillance video was rolling just before a car was broken into.

Neighbors are warning others about the strange actions of one guy that were caught on tape. He was seen riding a bicycle approaching a gray car. Neighbors on Waverly Street in the Heights say the strange man was caught on camera trespassing on their property and checking out cars.

Dreef said, "(It's) very frustrating. You know, it's our home, and it's our place where we feel safe."

Dreef says her housekeeper parked a car in the alley behind her home Thursday morning when spaces ran out on the main street. She says her surveillance cameras caught the man riding up, pulling the driver's side handle and peering through the window.

"When she went to leave, we discovered the back window was broken into and her purse was stolen," Dreef said.

Though the video doesn't show the actual break-in, it does show a person scoping out the car minutes before they discovered the car break-in. Now Dreef is warning her neighbors and contacting police.

"You know, if he's going to keep going after cars, I mean that's obviously a concern," said neighbor Omar Sharief. "But if he gets more brazen and does something else, that's a bigger concern to me."

Houston police say they have responded to several car break-ins in this area recently. Officers say many of those car burglaries in the past month have been between the 900 and 1000 block of Waverly.

"I'm sure it's going to catch up with him -- hopefully soon because this is very frustrating," Dreef said.

These car break-ins have police reminding folks to avoid leaving valuables in plain view.

heights, local, demond fernandez

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Suspect sought in two burglaries of businesses on Houston's east side

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A burglar is caught on video and Houston police believe he may be responsible for several crimes in east Houston. Now, they're hoping you might recognize him and can help put him behind bars.

The burglar who hit this Hartz Chicken on the east side on July 29 has a slim build.

"He actually came down the ventilator shaft for the fryer, which was odd because that thing is so narrow," HPD Sgt. Eddie Ewing said.

It was a nasty surprise for the owner the next morning when she discovered the mess he left behind.

"He took the money, all my money sales from Friday night. And that's a lot of money," owner Siodenem Teb said.

But as you can see in this surveillance video from another burglary, his usual methods are bolder.

"What he normally does is busts out the front window, any kind of window he can get in that way," Ewing said.

Police think the burglar lives somewhere in this area because the restaurants are all within a few miles of each other, including a Popeye's, which has been twice.

Police released the surveillance video Friday morning, hoping someone will recognize the burglar. He's not only accused of breaking in to the Hartz, the Popeye's and a donut shop, but could be connected to even more burglaries.

Meantime, business owners on the east side are making changes, like not leaving cash overnight.

"Businesses leave a little cash for the next morning, so when they open up, they have some spending cash. They've gotten smart, they don't do that anymore," Ewing said.

If you recognize the burglar in the surveillance video or you have information about the burglaries, you are urged to contact the HPD Investigative First Responder Division or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

local, adela uchida

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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Two of three arrested may be responsible for string of west side home burglaries

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office says there have been a number of burglaries in the Memorial area over the last month. And now, it's seeing a break out of similar burglaries just a few miles away.

The break-ins happened at a neighborhood near the Katy Freeway and Beltway 8. Investigators are now looking to see if there's a connection between crime in these neighborhoods.

It was a very bad Monday for some homeowners in the Autumn Oaks neighborhood near the Memorial area. Some came home to find someone uninvited had been in their house.

"My daughter's house and someone kicked in the door this morning after they left," said Judy Nockolds.

It also turned out to be a very bad Monday for three burglary suspects in the Memorial area. They were picked up by Precinct 5 constable's deputies after a neighbor in the 600 block of Electra saw something suspicious and called.

"One of the patrol officers who arrived on the scene made contact with an individual, his story didn't add up quite right and they discovered it was a burglary in progress at the home next door," Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office Assistant Chief John Laine said.

Investigators say they found Steffen Bales knocking on a door, acting as a distraction to give Dean Denzel Campbell and Nathaniel Sewall time to get away.

Campbell and Sewall were arrested after foot chases.

But the way the trio operated caught the attention of investigators.

"Yeah at this point, we believe these a probably connected to a lot of burglaries that are happening from the Galleria area out to the far west part of Houston," Laine said.

In the Galleria-area burglaries, a burglar knocked on the door to see if someone was home, and if no one was home, the burglars would go around the back and throw a brick through a glass window.

In both, burglars took the same things.

"Principally jewelry, guns and just items they could load in a little bag to carry out," Laine said.

Campbell, Sewall and Bales are not accused of the Galleria burglaries; three other men are charged with those crimes.

And from one of the homes broken into on Monday, a word of advice.

"It's a good reminder for everybody to put the alarm on even if you're just gone for five minutes," Nockolds said.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office says one of the suspects in the Galleria-area burglaries has a court date Tuesday. One of the three, Bobby Ray Powell, is still at large.

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Spring Valley Village police urge residents to be on alert after two burglaries in the area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities in Spring Valley Village are urging residents to be on alert after two burglaries in the area.

On March 15, Spring Valley Village police say between 11:15am and 11:45am, officers responded to two residential alarms within minutes of each other, one at a residence in the 8400 block of Winningham Lane and the other at a residence in the 1400 block of Cedarbrook Drive.

Upon arrival in both cases, officers found that an unknown suspect or suspects had forced entry into the residences.

In one case, it does not appear that any items were taken. In the other incident, valuables were removed from the home.

In the incident on Winningham Lane, police say a witness observed a vehicle parked in front of the residence shortly prior to the police department responding to the alarm. She described the vehicle as an older model Dodge mini-van, dark blue in color. She also stated she observed a male driver in the vehicle and a second male walking from the residence to the vehicle.

Authorities encourage you to immediately report any unusual or suspicious activity to the police department.

local

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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Hundreds of guns stolen in professional burglaries

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Nearly 300 guns have been stolen from more than half a dozen pawn shops over the past several weeks, and authorities believe the burglaries are connected.

Last week, an accused trio of robbers was arrested in north Harris County -- Guillermo Andersen, Christian Carbajal and Jesus Rendon -- all allegedly caught on the roof and in the act of breaking into Jim Fullerton's pawnshop. Precinct 4 deputies responded.

"They go up on the roof and the three guys are just laying down up there and hoping for the best... trying to be as flat as possible," said Fullerton.

What gives the arrests added importance is a rash of pawn shop burglaries over the past six weeks and what was taken.

One burglary happened in Bryan, another in West Columbia and six in north Houston and Harris County. Combined 274 firearms were stolen. The ATF believes the three suspects arrested are part of a larger group and they're not believed to be beginners.

"This is an organized group without a doubt and we can back that up with our investigation," said Lt. Jeff Stauber with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

"They are not smash and grabs. These guys are organized. They are watching federal firearms licensees. Therefore licensees need to make sure cameras are operational, security systems up to date. We request public's assistance in recovering these guns," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Gary Orchowski.

Some of the surveillance video was released Thursday. The suspects wear masks, bring their own equipment to bring in through the roofs. The box truck and minivan have no visible license plates.

Gun thefts are not unusual in Texas, but 131 guns taken from one store is. And then there's this.

"Nearly 50 percent of all weapon are recovered within 25 miles of where they were taken. And again we have recovered only one firearm," said Orchowski.

That gun was recovered out of state. That means 273 other weapons are in circulation -- either out of state, country or here in Houston.

"There's a lot of weapons out there. In Harris County, we don't like stolen weapons on the street. So we need to get these things recovered," said Lt. Stauber.

In a couple of cases where the burglars couldn't get the guns, they took electronics and jewelry. But the immediate concern is the guns.

The agents and the deputies say they don't know where these stolen guns are and what they're being used for.

The three suspects in custody are facing organized crime and burglary charges. Detectives and federal agents believe four more suspects are out there, and that they will strike again.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.

This story was brought to you through our partnership with Houston Community Newspapers. You can read more about the gun thefts in The Spring Observer.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Man detained in Montrose area doggie door burglaries no longer a suspect

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The video of a man trying to break into a Montrose home through the doggie door has gone viral and investigators came close to a break in the case on Friday.

It was just a day ago when images of a man breaking into a house through the doggie door hit the internet. Heights Life blogger Viula Torgerson posted it on her Facebook page and it immediately hit a nerve.

"I think this had the voyeuristic aspect, and people can see themselves, their own doggie door," Torgerson said.

On Friday morning, an alert Heights area mom saw a man similar to the images near the Fiesta on Studewood and called police.

"Today I was driving and I saw him, and I was thinking that's him turned around and called 911 and followed him," said Lori, who doesn't want her name last name used.

Lori followed the man until police arrived and arrested him. Nearby, David Jasso was watering his plants and he too noticed the man.

"I saw them on TV talking about the doggie door and when I saw him passing by through here, I said, 'Well, that sure looks like him,'" said resident David Jasso.

For several hours, it appeared like the doggie door burglar may have been caught.

But late Friday afternoon came a letdown. Police investigators who questioned the suspect have determined that he's no longer a suspect in the doggie door burglary.

Houston police would not comment on whether the man arrested may be wanted for other crimes, though they do say the man seen in the surveillance images is still on the loose. So alert moms like Torgerson, will still need to keep an eye out.

"It doesn't matter if you're in Montrose, or Heights, we're all in this together," said Torgerson.

montrose, heights, local, miya shay
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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Man accused in unusual burglaries goes before judge

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man investigators are calling a serial burglar will face a judge today.

Abel Martinez, 32, who was arrested by police earlier this week, but what's really interesting about this case is what he stole.

Harris County sheriff's deputies say he is behind about a half dozen home burglaries where he stole everything from dogs to underwear.

Martinez was arrested a few days ago and charged in three of those burglaries. Sheriff's investigators say from April to November, Martinez broke into apartments and even a home two blocks from the house where he was living.

Authorities say he stole a list of items, including underwear. Deputies say the parolee even made off with a little Maltese and a second dog, but he didn't stop there.

"He took bedding in some cases," said Cristina Garza with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "He took towels, kitchen knives he took kitchen blocks, clothing, jackets, pants, shoes"

Both dogs were returned to their owners. A lot of the other stolen items are still missing. Martinez is expected in court this morning to answer to three burglary charges.

local, samica knight

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Man accused of stealing underwear, dogs during multiple home burglaries

Abel Martinez, 32, has been charged with three counts of residential burglary and is currently in custody at the Harris County Jail.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man authorities believe is responsible for at least half a dozen home burglaries in Harris County last year has been arrested.

Abel Martinez, 32, has been charged with three counts of residential burglary and is currently in custody at the Harris County Jail.

According to investigators, Martinez would enter the homes and steal electronics, jewelry, kitchen items, and clothing, including underwear and shoes. In at least two cases, Martinez allegedly stole dogs at the residences.

Investigators say they have been able to recover some of the stolen property, including the two dogs.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office says they believe Martinez may be responsible for more cases.

local

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

Some Pasadena residents warned about rise in home burglaries

PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- Pasadena police are telling neighbors in the Crenshaw Park area to be on alert. Close to a dozen homes have been broken into recently.

Neighbors are taking the warnings seriously. For one homeowner we talked to, the news hit a little too close to home.

After a string of home burglaries, residents in the Pasadena neighborhood say this Christmas, it's not the Grinch they're worried about.

"We think they went in the through the back patio glass because she said when she got home it was opened and the blinds were blowing," one resident said.

This woman, who did not want to be identified, told us thieves broke into her neighbor's house just the other day. Pasadena police say there have been 10 reported break-ins in the last two weeks in the area near Crenshaw Park.

"It's just not right that they think they can just come in your house and take stuff that we work so hard for," said resident Rita Sills.

In most cases, the suspects have entered from the back of the homes, breaking out windows or, in two cases, by crawling in through the doggie door. They've taken cash, jewelry and electronics.

Police have stepped up patrols and are they're asking residents to stay vigilant, especially during the day.

"Now we're going to start keeping everything real tight and keeping extra lights on and stuff," said resident Amy McCartney. "Maybe that will deter them. Maybe they'll think more people are home than what actually is."

Police say it's also important to pay attentionto anyone soliciting in your neighborhood, or people claiming to be utility workers. If you see anything suspicious, call police immediately. No arrests have been made in any of these cases.

pasadena, crime tracker, andy cerota
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Residents on alert after home burglaries

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Thieves are targeting a neighborhood in southeast Houston that is home to several high-profile Houstonians and prominent elected officials. The crooks are bold, and in and out of a house in minutes.

Investigators don't believe it's the work of serial burglars. It is no less frustrating for concerned homeowners who feel like they've been robbed of their sense of security. Looking at the back window that's been boarded up reminds James Williams of the birthday he won't soon forget. "Glass was all out here in the yard and the door was wide open," Williams said. While he and his wife were out to dinner celebrating, thieves broke into their home and helped themselves to the couple's valuables, including two TVs, a laptop and jewelry. "I was violated. I felt violated," said Williams. What's more, Williams is not alone. Homeowners in the West MacGregor neighborhood have received crime alert emails warning them of break-ins and attempted break-ins. We put our exclusive Crime Tracker to work: while home burglaries held steady at 28 comparing the first two months of the year, Houston police tell us they saw a spike in April -- with almost twice that many. "I have an initiative going on out there right now. I can't really talk about that initiative, but we do have some extra things going on out there right now," said Capt. Glenn Yorek of the Houston Police Department. Thieves aren't targeting just the homes. Residents say more than two dozen storm drain covers have vanished over the past few months. Police are looking into that as well. Williams hopes they catch the crooks soon. "But I do believe if this continues, someone is going to get hurt -- whether it's a homeowner or burglar or whoever -- someone is going to get hurt," said Williams. Two weeks before the break-in, Williams says a teenage boy rang his doorbell looking for a woman. "We suspect they were casing the house and the neighborhood at that time," Williams said. Residents say they are doing their part to remain vigilant. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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crime tracker, andy cerota

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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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