SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Scottsdale police say there has been a rise in "dinner-time residential burglaries" in neighborhoods that back up to golf courses and desert washes.
Officials say burglars have entered homes through backyard doors once homeowners have left, primarily in the evening.
Police say this is a trend across Valley cities with various agencies investigating.
A spokesperson with Scottsdale police says there have been 21 incidents believed to be related to this series between November 1, 2023, and January 23, 2024.
Police say 18 of the incidents happened in the Foothills District and the three others in the Via Linda area.
"In Arizona, multiple Valley agencies have been affected, and we are working collaboratively to investigate the series," said Scottsdale police.
A couple who lives in Ahwatukee shared what happened to them just a few days ago.
"We were out to dinner and enjoying a nice night and we came home, and somebody had smashed open the glass door leading into our master bedroom... came in ransacked. I mean, every drawer had been opened, every cabinet [had] been opened," said Justin Volrath.
Volrath and his wife checked their alarm system and learned that the thieves were in and out of their home within eight minutes.
"It was a very surreal moment for sure because the rest of the house there was untouched. But, they were definitely going for small, valuable, quick things they could grab," said Volrath.
Officer Aaron Bolin with the Scottsdale Police Department that small, expensive items are just what these thieves are looking for.
"They are looking basically for the sort of master bedroom, master suite side of the house. Then from there, they are forcing entry through either a large window or sliding glass door by breaking the glass. They are entering the home and then going directly to the master bedroom closet area," said Bolin. "Once they're there, they're essentially looking for anything small and expensive that they can steal very easily and leave with very easily."
Police ask the community to remain extra vigilant and to engage in crime prevention practices to help them avoid becoming victims.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 480-312-5000 to report any suspicious activity or people.
The investigations remain ongoing.
