ROSSMOOR : Series of Burglaries Prompts Crime Alert

A recent spate of late-night burglaries has prompted the Sheriff’s Department to issue a crime warning to residents.

During the past four months, one or more burglars have entered eight homes in the unincorporated Rossmoor area through unlocked doors, “doggie” doors or by prying open sliding glass doors late at night or early morning. The burglars have stolen mostly cash from the homes, Sheriff’s Lt. Richard J. Olson said.

The Sheriff’s Department has distributed a crime bulletin through the Rossmoor Homeowners Assn. to urge residents to lock doors and windows. The department also urges residents to call (714) 647-7000 if they see suspicious activity in the area.

Olson offered these burglary prevention tips:

* Lock all doors and windows at night and when leaving in the morning.

* Install double-cylinder deadbolt locks on doors and place pins in windows and sliding glass doors to make them harder to force open.

* Install adequate lighting outside of homes to discourage burglars, and consider installing motion-activated security lighting at key points around the house.

* Work with neighbors to watch each other’s homes and report unusual people or vehicles to the Sheriff’s Department, including descriptions and vehicle license plate numbers, if possible.