Police warn of ‘brazen’ burglar

MONTROSE — Police are treating a series of burglaries with “immense concern” because the perpetrator is entering homes at night — once coming within a few feet of a sleeping homeowner.

“We have a nighttime burglar we’re looking for that’s very brazen, to say the least,” Montrose Police Cmdr. Gene Lillard said Friday.

“We are aware of one individual, where, I think, the burglar had to be within a few feet of the individual while he slept in his bed,” Montrose Police Chief Tom Chinn said.

Lillard said the unknown subject or subjects were entering unlocked homes in the evening hours in various parts of town.

Five such burglaries had been reported as of Friday and occurred Sept. 6, Sept. 8 and Sept. 19  on Ironton Court, Bordeaux Drive, Cobble Drive, Mt. Hayden and Lonetree Lane.

Losses included guns, a television, money from wallets and purses and a purse.

Lillard said the burglars have also gone into garages as well as homes.

Police have few leads to date, but were able to obtain a description of a vehicle a resident in east Montrose believed was suspicious.

Lillard said the reporting party was on a lunch break from work when he or she saw a small red truck, with a white, wavy paint designs driving slowly through the neighborhood, apparently examining garages.

The vehicle was occupied by three males; police have not identified them or said whether they are considered suspects.

“This is an immense concern,” Lillard said of the burglaries, which he characterized as a pattern.

“We’re taking it very seriously that this person is doing this type of thing.”

Chinn also said things could go bad for the perpetrator if he, she or they encountered an armed homeowner.

“People in Montrose have firearms. There’s a large percentage of the population that believe in defending their property,” he said.

“With the Make My Day law, this person probably ought to reconsider what he’s doing. This is still the West.”

Lillard also warned the public of several instances of first-degree vehicle trespass. He said there have been seven incidents reported recently. The perpetrators appear to be striking at random, taking advantage of unlocked vehicles and stealing from them whatever they can find.

Losses include everything from sunglasses and CDs to a laptop that was taken from a parked car in the 300 block of Main Street. Purses and tools were also reported taken.

Vehicles hit were parked on West Fox Park, Stan Drive, South Fifth Street, South San Juan Avenue and Main Street.

“Our warning to the public would be to lock your doors every time. Lock your car doors and lock your houses,” Lillard said.

“Montrose is still a very safe place to live, but it’s just good practice to lock things up. And, keep things hidden in your vehicle. Utilize your neighborhood watch (if any). Look out for your neighbors and give us a call.”

The MPD can be reached at 252-5200 during business hours or 249-4020 after hours. General dispatch can be reached after hours at 252-4023.