Part of central Mesa sees 75% rise in burglary

Part of central Mesa has experienced a 75 percent increase in residential burglaries over about the past month — and in some cases thieves have even sneaked into a home while people were there.

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The Central District in Mesa had 35 residential burglaries from June 23 to July 20, compared to 20 in a prior month’s time.

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“The vast majority of these are happening in the days, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,” said Mesa police Detective Ann Baker. “The other very troubling thing I’m seeing is some of these burglaries are occurring while people are home. One victim was watching TV.”

Items most commonly stolen from homes include electronics, tools, personal identification items, guns, jewelry and cash.

Baker said investigators have no suspects identified and little information to go on.

The only reported information police have at this point is a tan vehicle and a white man, who was 5 feet 10 inches, 150 to 170 pounds, with short dark hair.

Police said it’s important that residents keep a close eye on who comes into their neighborhood and who doesn’t belong there.

Some residents of an area around West Ninth Street said the community has seen some improvement. Others had a different opinion.

A young man on a bicycle, toting another man on the handlebars, said he moved from an apartment on West Ninth Street months ago.

“My neighbor’s home was invaded while he was in the house,” said Michael L. Jackson, who said he decided to move to Phoenix from the residential street dotted by apartments and single-family dwellings.

Carlos Hurtado, 49, who has lived in the area for 11 years, said he plays it safe. “We always lock ourselves in,” he said.

Brenda Youngblood, 54, who lives in the Hampton Court apartments on West Ninth Street, said drugs have impacted her neighborhood. She said that while she hasn’t experienced a burglary, she has seen traffic to and from possible drug houses.

“I keep my door locked,” Youngblood said. “It’s really hard for anyone to get in.”

Baker said that in only five of the burglaries involved windows actually being broken, so she believes residents can help stop the crime.

“Keep doors and windows locked, even when (you’re) home,” Baker said. “Keep vehicles locked and report any suspicious activity ... the most important thing they can do is to jot down the license plate for police.”