2:30pm | Just one week after Long Beach Police issued a warning to Belmont Shore residents about locking their doors and windows, another cat burglary suspect entered an occupied home just this Wednesday. The suspect fled when the woman began screaming.
The incident is the fourth in Belmont Shore since late July. In each, a male enters the home through unlocked doors or windows. In each, a woman is home alone and begins screaming, causing the suspect to flee. The most recent incident occurred near Broadway and Bayshore Avenue in the early afternoon. The male suspect entered the home through an unlocked door, according to authorities, and has been described as a Hispanic male between 25-30 years old, about 5-foot-8 with stocky build.
In each incident, the suspects have not taken anything or attempted to assault anyone. Police are unsure of their motive, but strongly urge all residents to check their doors and windows and ensure that they are secured.
In the first two incidents that occurred in July and early September, witnesses described a black male suspect. Police believe these two incidents are related. The third incident occurred on September 13 and the suspect is described as a Hispanic male between 30-40 years around, about 5-foot-6. Police believe that this incident and the most recent incident are related.
Authorities have provided this list of recommendations to residents:
- Keep your doors and windows secured at all times
- Purchase devices for your windows that will allow adequate ventilation without jeopardizing your safety
- Install security lights with motion sensors outside your home
- Prevent hiding locations by keeping bushes and shrubbery trimmed
- Know your escape routes
- Immediately report any suspicious activity or persons by calling 9-1-1, regardless of how insignificant you may feel it is; let police determine its importance
To submit a tip related to these incidents, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or visit longbeach.gov/police.