Police believe serial burglar is targeting homes while victims sleep

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are searching for a serial burglar believed to be responsible for at least seven break-ins across West and Southwest Philadelphia.

In at least three cases, the same homes were targeted twice.

"It's very rare that we will have the same resident hit twice," said Captain Robert McKeever of the Philadelphia Police Department.

In one case, a resident on Webster Street said his home was burglarized twice in two weeks. The first break-in happened around 5 a.m. on October 20 when a masked man entered through a window, stole thousands of dollars worth of items and the homeowner's keys, and exited through the front door.

"Something in the back of my mind told me be ready- he took the keys," the victim said.

On November 7, the same suspect returned and attempted to use the stolen keys. The locks had been changed, so the man broke a basement window to get inside.

"I'm ready, I'm ready for him. It's not going to happen a third time, I promise you that," the homeowner said.

Captain McKeever said one burglary occurred on Conestoga Street on October 14, where the suspect stole keys and used them to re-enter the home the following night. Police began connecting the cases after noticing similar methods of entry and theft.

"Digging into it a little further, we had a similar burglary on Alden Street back in September, where the M.O. is the same: going through a window, exiting the front door, taking electronics and anything they can grab on the way out," McKeever said.

In the Alden Street case, the suspect was not wearing a mask. Police released a photo of the man and are asking the public for help identifying him. Authorities believe he may strike again and are concerned the situation could escalate into violence.

The victim on Webster Street said he has a shotgun and is prepared to use it.

"I don't know what he had, if he was armed. I'm not going to take that chance," he said.

Police are urging residents to contact their local crime prevention officer for a home security assessment and tips on how to protect their property.