Petaluma Experiencing Burglary Spike

Burglars are hitting Petaluma homes in alarming numbers this month, authorities say.

Since July 1, 18 residential burglaries in Petaluma have already been reported, police Lt. Tim Lyons said, noting that through the first six months of this year, only 28 such crimes were reported.

The heists have yielded flat screen TVs, jewelry, money, bicycles, tools, and medication, among the items.

Police have stepped-up patrols in residential neighborhoods, conducted probation searches of known property theft suspects and are working with other agencies to identify the suspects.

Investigators are processing evidence taken from five incidents that they hope will lead them to the burglars. They believe multiple suspects are responsible for these crimes.

The burglaries have occurred in all parts of town.

So far this month 10 residential burglaries have been reported on the east side of town and eight on the western side.

One neighborhood has been hit especially hard. Seven burglaries have been reported at homes near Ely Boulevard South in the southwestern portion of the city.

Thirteen of the burglaries occurred during day time hours and one at night. Two were undetermined.

Burglars reportedly broke into homes through garages in 13 of the incidents. The garage doors were forced open in some cases and had unlocked side doors in others.

In three cases, crooks got easy access to homes by pulling out window screens. Burglars pried open doors in three cases and accessed homes through open windows in two others.

In an incident on Draco Drive, an apparent burglar was interrupted when a resident arrived home. That suspect was described as an adult female.

Anyone with information about residential burglaries in Petaluma or any other crimes is asked to call the Petaluma Police Department at 707-778-4372. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call PPD Crime Tips at 707- 781-1200 or email ppdtips@ci.petaluma.ca.us.