Burglars hit nearly a dozen vehicles in Montrose

MONTROSE — Police are searching for burglars who targeted 11 vehicles in Montrose this week who may live nearby.

Residents on Monday reported that their vehicles were burglarized sometime late Sunday or early Saturday. Some windows were smashed, while others showed no signs of forced entry, police reported.

“It’s obviously someone that is comfortable with the area,” Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.

The burglars, he said, were likely familiar with the area because they had to make a great amount of noise and carry a large quantity of valuables.

Thieves appeared to have targeted vehicles parked in carports and subterranean garages at apartment buildings on the 3000 block of Montrose Avenue, according to Glendale Police Department reports.

Residents reported significant losses and costly damage to their vehicles, including stolen car stereos, navigation systems, cash, sunglasses, credit cards, cameras and bags.

A self-employed plumber reported that power tools, including a saw and threading machine, were stolen from his work van.

Police warned residents who attended a town hall meeting in South Glendale last week about the rash of burglaries to commercial work vans.

Residents have reported 53 work van burglaries throughout the city, resulting in the loss of drills, saws, compressors, torches and other power tools.

Police have advised residents to park their vehicles in secure, well-lit parking areas, to lock their vehicles and to hide all personal belongings. Residents should also report any suspicious activity to police.