Norristown police warn of serial burglar targeting homes while residents are sleeping

NORRISTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The Norristown Police Department says investigators have identified a pattern of burglaries targeting Hispanic households in the area. The serial burglar is accused of stealing cash from several homes and businesses.

Police say the burglar strikes while families are asleep. However, in some cases, people have even woken up and confronted him.

According to police, most of the burglaries happened between November 4 and November 12 between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. At least five houses hit were all within a mile-and-a-half radius of the Norristown Police Department.

Police said multiple houses hit had a window or door that was left unlocked.

Investigators are working with a few surveillance photos of the suspect that they want the public to see. They are also urging the public not to wait to report anything that might seem odd so that they can dispatch officers as quickly as possible.

Police say none of the encounters with this man have been violent and that they don't believe he's armed. However, they're urging families to not let their guard down.

Lt. James Angelucci, with the Norristown Police Department, offered a few tips for residents.

"One, to be aware of what's happening out here and who's being targeted. Second, secure your doors, secure your windows. If you have an air conditioner, make sure that's also secure. Perhaps keep your lights on and if you have security cameras, make sure they're working," he said.

The home burglaries were reported at the following locations:

- 500 block of Moore Street

- 300 block of Moore Street

- 100 block of Haws Avenue

- 500 block of George Street

Police said in addition to the home burglaries, investigators have also linked two commercial burglaries with the same suspect. Those two burglaries happened on October 6 on 900 block of Marshall Street and the 1000 block of W. Airy Street.

Anyone with information about the burglaries or the suspect is asked to call 610-270-0977.

Police recommend protecting your home and family by following these tips:

- Lock all doors and windows when you go to bed

- Secure window air conditioners to frames with screws

- Keep outside light on or install motion-activated lighting

- Install cameras inside or outside, or know your neighbors that have them

- Talk to each other; let everyone know to be on guard

- Call 911 immediately if you are a victim-time is very critical in trying to solve these types of crimes

- Call 911 if you see any suspicious persons around your home during the early mornings