By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Add this to the list of seemingly innocent things criminals might say to you at your front door: My dog got loose and is in your backyard.

That's what one man told two Meadowview women to get them to open their unlocked front door in one of three home-invasions that occurred in the city overnight, according to Sacramento police.

When the Armadale Way residents obliged and opened the door shortly after 8 p.m., the man, backed by two accomplices, burst into the home and ordered the victims to the ground at gunpoint, said police Sgt. Norm Leong.

The robbers demanded money and ransacked the home, Leong said. They got way with money and jewelry.

The victims described two of the suspects as black men in their 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and with medium complexions, Leong said. The third suspect was described as a black man in his 20s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, light-skinned and wearing a light jacket, Leong said.

Leong said residents should always be wary of what strangers on their doorstep say, including those looking for a lost dog or asking for someone who doesn't live there.

"Keep your doors locked, indicate you're home but never open the door for a stranger," he said. "Call the police if you feel the circumstances are suspicious."

The second home invasion occurred almost three hours later, when a Greenhaven Drive resident answered a knock at the door and was confronted by three black male adults, two of whom were armed with handguns, Leong said.

The robbers forced their way inside and stole small electronics and other personal property before fleeing.

The victim, who was alone at the time, was not able to provide any further suspect descriptions, Leong said.

The third home invasion occurred about 12:30 a.m. on 35th Avenue, when three robbers, one armed with a gun, forced their way into a home, Leong said.

The robbers ransacked the home, taking electronics and cash before they fled in what was described to police as a gray Mitsubishi Montero, Leong said.

The man with the gun was described to police as a white male in his late teens or early 20s, weighing 140 to 150 pounds and wearing dark clothing. No descriptions were available for the other two suspects, Leong said.

Police are continuing their investigation into all three incidents.

They are looking at whether the crimes are related; however, there is no evidence at this point to suggest they are, Leong said.

Detectives also are looking at why those homes might have been targeted, he said.