Warning for Friendswood residents after string of home burglaries

FRIENDSWOOD – Police have a warning for residents in Friendswood now that three home burglaries are under investigation.

Friendswood police said the burglaries have similar methods of operation (MO) and have similarities in their location and time. All homes are adjacent to the right-of-way greenbelt area in the Eagle Lakes subdivision, and police believe this area is being used by the suspects as a route to and from the burglary locations.

Authorities said in the last two cases, the residents left their homes between 6-7 p.m., only to return less than two hours later to find a back window to their home broken out and missing guns and jewelry.  

Police said on July 8, forced entry was made through a back door at a house in the 2000 block of Pebble Lane. The victim arrived home at 6:45 p.m. and noticed that his back door was forced open. He grabbed his phone and immediately called police. Police searched for a suspect, but no one was there. Officials found a television that was unplugged and moved to the floor; several rooms rummaged through and trash bags full of loot. Guns, a game system and computers were stolen.

The next home burglary was reported on July 24. According to police, forced entry was made through a back window at a home in the 500 block of Lakeside Lane. The burglary occurred between 6-8 p.m. When the residents returned home, they found that the master bedroom was rummaged through and a shotgun and jewelry were stolen.

The third burglary occurred on July 25 sometime between 7-8:20 p.m. at a home in the 1100 block of Bob White Drive. Police said forced entry was through a back master bedroom window. While inside, the burglars stole a weapon and jewelry.

Police believe that the suspects involved may be watching these neighborhoods along the greenbelt and hitting the homes when the residents leave in the evening.  

According to Friendswood police, homes without a home-security or alarm system have a significantly higher break-in rate, so officials suggest investing in an alarm system to protect your home. Police said there are two main types of security systems available: a local alarm which makes noise only and a monitored system which may make some noise, but is monitored at a centralized location.

Authorities also suggest talking with your neighbors who they said are "essential to good home security." 

While it is up to individual homeowners and the business owners to be responsible that homes and buildings are secure, the Friendswood Police Department has a certified crime prevention officer on staff to assist by making security assessments.

To schedule an appointment for a security assessment, call Officer Kevin Crouch at 281-996-3316 or email him a request.

Police also suggest that homeowners maintain a list and take photos/videos of all valuables, including serial numbers, as well as securing firearms in a locked safe.