Pooja Lodhia, ABC13 Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Investigators are looking for a man they believe is responsible for at least seven burglaries in Montrose since December.
Residents are now hoping surveillance video will help catch who police are calling a serial burglar. One video shows a man shimmying in through a side window.
“Like a nightmare Spiderman or a Spiderman from hell because the way he scoots into that window was like defying gravity,” Narissa C, who didn’t want her last name reported because she worries about retaliation, described.
Narissa said he left her home with a box filled with jewelry, including a family heirloom and a class ring.
“I graduated from A&M, the first in my family to graduate from high school and college,” she explained. “And so that ring has so much sentimental value to me.”
Just a few days later, cameras captured who police believe was the same man, this time, using those Spidey senses to get through a tiny doggy door and steal more jewelry.
“It makes me feel helpless,” Khristen Lister, whose home was also burglarized, said. “I want to believe we live in a place where neighbors are neighborly, and I see this happening again and again and again.”
In some cases, police said he used a tool to get in, and in at least one break-in, the homeowner says he left behind not only a saw, but also her own cart filled up with her own belongings. Presumably, he loaded up more than he could carry.
“He wasn’t wearing gloves. He wasn’t wearing a mask. He did nothing to protect his identity, but he’s obviously done it before,” Narissa said. “He sure felt comfortable, but he also did it idiotically, so whatever combination that creates.”
The Houston Police Department and the Precinct 1 Constable’s office said they believe the same man could be responsible for even more burglaries than have been reported.
Investigators said all the break-ins occurred during the day, when people were at work and school, adding that the accused thief has stolen mostly jewelry, but also laptops and other small items.
Authorities are asking the public for help and hope that someone may contact them with information that could lead to his arrest.
“When you’re a burglar, and you’re actively committing a crime, you try to stay off the radar,” Constable Alan Rosen said. “During the day is when they like to hit. People are away at work, houses are empty. Have an alarm. Most people, the alarm goes off and they run, they don’t actually enter the house.”
Residents told ABC13 that they have alarms, cameras, and locks, but what they lack now is peace.
“That’s basically the worst part of it. That somebody felt like they had the authority to go through my place,” Narissa said. “There’s no decorum anymore. That’s your safe place and he took that away.”
“I do believe he’s going to keep doing this until he’s stopped, and I hope he doesn’t injure anyone in the process,” Lister said.
If you recognize the accused thief or have any information, contact Investigator Joseph Bowden at Joseph.bowden@cn1.hctx.net or 713-755-5200.
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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.
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