Authorities are investigating after approximately two dozen vehicles were burglarized in the past three days.
According to a news release, the Phoenix Police Department says the series started on Sunday, November 25 around 4:30 a.m. near 40th Street and Pinnacle Peak Road where roughly nine vehicles had items stolen.
On Monday, the thefts began around 4 a.m. in a neighborhood near I-17 and the Carefree Highway. In that group, police estimate about seven vehicles were targeted. Tuesday, investigators say about six vehicles were burglarized starting around 2:45 a.m. near North Valley Parkway and Jomax.
In each of the burglaries, police say drivers had left their vehicles unlocked.
Police say a suspect would walk down a residential street checking door handles, typically followed by one or two suspect vehicles.
Police describe one suspect as a white male in his 20s and about six feet tall, with one of the trailing vehicles being a white or light-colored SUV, possibly a Honda or Acura. No information was available about other suspects or the second vehicle.
Three weeks earlier and 15 minutes south, Steve Dawson caught a group in the act.
“They didn't have gloves on, they left their prints everywhere,” said Dawson.
The day before Halloween a group of about eight teens hopped out of two cars in front of Steve's eight security cameras. He happened to be awake at 4 a.m.
“And I see these kids get out and scatter. Some ran over here, some run up to my driveway and they start looking into my car and trying to get in,” said Dawson.
Dawson pounded on his window and they scattered. One nearly got hit by the getaway truck.
He quickly called Phoenix police but never heard of an arrest.
“It’s quite amazing that they haven't been caught yet,” he said.
The incidents have police reminding people to remove valuables from vehicles parked outside overnight, lock the car and roll up windows, and to conceal any packages from view.
Anyone with information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or for Spanish, 480-TESTIGO.
