Burglars strike four homes in four hours

Sheriff’s deputies are searching for suspects in four residential burglaries that occurred between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday in La Cañada Flintridge.

Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station Sgt. Ray Harley said that jewelry, electronics and other items were stolen from two homes in the 4900 block of Indianola Way and two others in the 4800 blocks of Grand and Hillard avenues.

Residents living near some of the targeted homes told investigators today that around the time of those burglaries two young women had knocked on their doors asking to speak to someone unfamiliar to the homeowners. The women were described as well-dressed, Hispanic and appearing to be 18 to 20 years old.

“This is a very common method of operation for burglars checking to make sure nobody’s home,” said Harley.

Harley encouraged La Cañada Flintridge residents to immediately report any sightings of strangers who linger or otherwise appear to be out of place in a residential neighborhood, as they may be observing the area with intent to commit crime.

“If someone who looks out of place is knocking on your door looking for a person or asking for help to find an animal, you’re asked to call 911 immediately,” he said.

Responding to reports of a suspicious vehicle, deputies and detectives searching for the burglary suspects took part in a traffic stop early this afternoon on Oakwood Avenue just north of the Foothill (210) Freeway.

Investigators determined, however, that two young men travelling in the tan-colored sedan were not tied to the burglaries and released them.

“We were digging deep to make sure these guys weren’t tied to these incidents,” said Harley immediately after that traffic stop.