Police Believe Suspects are Casing Open Garages

Just driving down to Foothill Boulevard to pick up a pizza? Close and lock your garage, or that beloved mountainbike may merely be a memory when you return. 

While La Cañada has experienced fewer residential burglaries over the last month, there has been an increase in bicycle thefts from garages where the victims have left their doors wide open, said Capt. Dave Silversparre of the .

noted that residents hadn't left their homes for long when thieves swept in to swipe bicycles. In one case, the resident returned home but left the garage open while he went into the house. Fifteen minutes later, his bike was gone.

"The thefts have been in various areas of La Cañada Flintridge, so I personally believe suspect[s] are casing the area in a vehicle,'' Silversparre said.

Leaving the door open makes it too easy for thieves "driving around neighborhoods looking specifically for open garages and bicycles,'' he added. 

So while authorities continue to investigate, keep an eye out for unidentified people driving back and forth on your street. And always, Silversparre says, make it a point to close and lock your garage no matter how quickly you plan to return home.