Rash of home, car burglaries reported in Burbank

A rash of home burglaries was reported in Burbank over the weekend, with computers and video game equipment being the hottest targets, police said.

In four of the seven home burglaries reported between Friday and Sunday, computers and video game consoles were stolen from Burbank homes, said police Lt. Eddie Ruiz.

Sometime between Saturday and Sunday afternoon, a television, a Nintendo Wii and jewelry were stolen from a home in the 900 block of North Avon Street after thieves pried open the back door.

On Friday, a computer, PlayStation, laptop, games and computer equipment were stolen from a home in the 3300 block of Brace Canyon Road. Again, the suspects had reportedly pried open the back door, Ruiz said.

Also on Friday in the 800 block of North Cordova Street, thieves climbed through a back window of a home and made off with a computer and PlayStation.

Roughly three miles away that same day, two computers and a Nintendo Wii were stolen after thieves crawled through a bedroom window in the 600 block of East Angeleno Avenue.

In the three remaining home burglaries — in the 400 block of South Fairview Street, 600 block of East Tujunga Avenue and 1700 block of Keeler Street — either nothing was taken, or the loss was unknown, but there were signs of home entry, according to the police reports.

While police couldn’t pinpoint what caused the spike, they urged residents to secure their homes when they’re away.

“If they have alarms, they should be activated when they leave the home,” Ruiz said in an email. “Sometimes, it may be good to leave a small radio on in the house so the burglar may think someone is home.”

Additionally, residents should make sure security cameras that are installed have sufficient recording space, Ruiz said.

In addition to the home thefts, nine car burglaries and three car thefts were reported over the weekend. In the car burglaries — three of which included smashed windows — purses, phones, an iPod, a computer, a three-foot sword and cash were stolen.

No suspects have been identified in any of the crimes, Ruiz said.

Those interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch program can call Ruiz at (818) 238-3231.

-- Alene Tchekmedyian, Times Community News

Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.