Glendale Police Seek Help in Capturing Stealthy Burglar

Glendale police are asking for the public’s help in capturing a man suspected of breaking into 14 homes in the pre-dawn hours and stealing cash from wallets and purses while the residents were asleep.

The unidentified man is described as an African American between 20 and 30 years old and between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet tall with a slender build and short black hair. He has been seen by at least two of his intended victims, who heard him trying to break into their homes and went to investigate. In both cases, the man fled before police arrived.

“We don’t know if this individual is armed, and so far he hasn’t attacked anybody,” said Chahe Keuroghelian, a police spokesman. “He doesn’t steal valuables. He seems only to be interested in the money, and in one case he also stole food stamps from a purse.”

In another break-in, the man escaped with $3,000 in cash, Keuroghelian said.

The spate of break-ins began in August and the most recent crime occurred Oct. 31, police said. The crimes have occurred at homes in Glendale and in the Eagle Rock section of Los Angeles, just outside Glendale city limits.

Police said they believe the same individual is responsible for all the crimes because in each case, the robber uses a screwdriver, hand drill and other tools to enter through sliding glass doors or windows. He makes his escape either through the window he broke into or through the front door.

The man has struck single-family houses and apartments alike, but all of the victims have lived on the ground floor.

Police also believe the burglar may be “casing out” his victims.

“It appears that the suspect is aware that the victims are at home sleeping when he breaks into the residence. Unlike most residential burglars, he likes them to be home,” Keuroghelian said.

Police said anyone who sees a person matching the suspect’s description loitering in their neighborhood can call the robbery division at (818) 548-2097 or (818) 548-4840.