Sheriff's Office asks for tips in multiple burglaries targeting vacationing homeowners

Please reference CCSO Case #s 22-007886 and 22-008783

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for tips as detectives investigate multiple burglaries in which thieves appear to be targeting homes left unattended during extended out-of-town trips.

In the latest case (CCSO Case # 22-008783), a Happy Valley homeowner returned to his SE Mountain Crest Drive residence on April 17, after an out-of-town trip -- and discovered that a suspect or suspects had entered his home through a second-story window. The suspect(s) had searched the home, stealing watches and jewelry.

In a separate, earlier case (CCSO Case # 22-007886), a relative arrived to check on the victim homeowners' S. Stonehenge Terrace residence in West Linn in the afternoon on April 6, 2022, and discovered damage to multiple windows, including a second-story window. Again, the homeowners were out of town at the time. The relative entered the residence -- and discovered that items including designer handbags had been stolen from the master bedroom. The suspect(s) had broken multiple windows, possibly to check whether they'd trip an alarm system before entering the residence.

It is unknown at this writing if these and other recent burglaries are related, but the M.O. is similar: Thieves appear to be targeting homeowners spending extended time away from their homes. Victim residences have also lacked adequate alarm systems -- and in many cases the burglars appear to check for an alarm system before entering a home.

The Sheriff's Office urges homeowners away for extended periods to have a friend or neighbor keep an eye on your home; install alarm systems with surveillance cameras; and install timed lighting systems that make empty homes appear occupied.

Sheriff's Office detectives continue to investigate these and other cases, and are actively seeking tips.

TIPS SOUGHT: Can you help us identify the suspect(s) involved in these burglaries? Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line — by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip . Please reference CCSO Case#s 22-007886 and 22-008783.

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Deputy John Wildhaber
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Unit
sheriffpio@clackamas.us
503.785.5071