Police in Concord, California, are warning homeowners after a series of residential and vehicle burglaries exposed a simple garage-security risk.
The Concord Police Department said suspects have approached homes during the early morning hours, checked parked vehicles, and used garage door openers left inside unlocked cars to access garages, according to SFGate.
Once inside, police said the suspects have primarily stolen tools and other valuables.
A garage remote left in a driveway vehicle can give a burglar a quiet way into the garage and, in some homes, closer access to the door leading into the living space.
Police Say the Burglaries Happened in the Early Morning
Concord police said the burglaries have occurred across the city over the past several weeks.
Detectives released surveillance images of two people believed to be involved.
Contra Costa News reported that police did not release specific dates, streets, locations, or suspect names. The department said detectives are still pursuing leads and trying to identify the people responsible.
The Garage Door Opener Is the Weak Spot
Прикажи ову објаву у апликацији Instagram
If a garage remote is sitting inside a driveway vehicle, someone can open the garage quietly and reach tools, bikes, storage items, or the interior door to the home.
Police said the suspects have used openers found in unlocked vehicles to enter garages and steal tools and other property.
Police Say the Suspects Were Armed
In multiple incidents, police said surveillance video showed the suspects carrying handguns outside a garage.
No confrontations with homeowners have been reported, according to SFGate.
That is why police are urging residents to secure vehicles, garage doors, keys, openers, and valuables before anyone returns, not to confront suspects during a break-in.
Homeowners Are Being Asked To Check Cameras
Concord police urged residents to lock vehicles even when they are parked in the driveway, remove garage door openers, keys, wallets, and valuables from cars, and keep garage doors closed and secured overnight.
Homeowners should also lock the interior door between the garage and the house, review camera clips from early morning hours, and report suspicious vehicles, people checking car doors, or anyone walking between driveways.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has surveillance footage related to the burglaries is asked to call Concord police at 925-671-3333. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Bay Area Crime Stoppers.