From David Richie:
Home surveillance cameras may help El Dorado County Sheriff's investigators crack a series of car burglaries that occurred last week in Cameron Park. Vehicles were hit late Wednesday or early Thursday on several streets near Valtara and Montero roads, according to Sheriff's Office incident reports.
At least one homeowner was able to provide deputies with video clips and still photos of possible suspects. That evidence has been passed on to burglary detectives, and the spree is still under investigation.
The incident reports indicate that homeowners are still leaving valuable items in their cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles.
A homeowner in the 4200 block of Valtara Road reported the loss of a laptop computer and other items that were left overnight in his unlocked car, parked in his garage with the door open.
Deputies also investigated a truck break-in on Montero Road, where the driver's side window was smashed. The thief then defeated the truck's built-in alarm system by crawling into the vehicle through the window and not opening the door - which would have triggered the alarm, deputies stated.
A laptop computer, an expensive battery pack and cash also were taken from another work truck parked in a driveway. The owner told deputies that he was sure that he had locked it, but there were no obvious signs of forced entry.
Law enforcement officers always warn residents to take everything of value out of their vehicles, even if they are parked in the garage. Car burglars are looking for items that are visible and they also may seek paperwork out the glove box that they can use for identity theft. Garage door openers are another highly sought item because often they end up being keys to the house where the vehicle is parked.
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