Rash of Home Burglaries Hits Fountain Valley

A rash of home burglaries occurred this month in Fountain Valley, and police believe they may be connected.

Police said one home burglary and six attempted home burglaries were reported over the last week and a half in Fountain Valley. In each case, the suspects entered the homes, or tried to get inside, while the residents were asleep. Sgt. Kurt Ulrich of the Fountain Valley Police Department told Patch these crimes are not common in the city.

"We are doing everything we can to identify and arrest the suspects," Ulrich said. "This includes patrol officers being directed to spend additional time in the residential areas where the crimes occurred."

Five attempted residential burglaries were reported on Saturday, Feb. 23, in the 10700 block of El Picador and El Gorra. According to police, the burglars targeted the homes between 3 and 6 a.m. by entering backyard areas and trying to get into the homes through windows and patio doors.

On Sunday, Feb. 24, Fountain Valley police responded to a report of a home burglary in the 17800 block of Ash Street. The burglary took place sometime between 11 p.m. Saturday and 4:30 a.m. Sunday. According to police, the burglar went into a rear screened patio door and got inside the house through an unlocked side garage door.

A wallet, cell phone and a car, which was parked in the driveway, were stolen. The car has since been recovered.

Another attempted residential burglary was reported on the same block of Ash Street. Police said the crime was similar to the incidents on El Picador and El Gorra.

A witness told police a 20- to 25-year-old man climbed out of the backyard and over a block wall. According to the witness, the suspect got into a grey, two-door early 1990s car with two other people inside.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the Fountain Valley Police Department at 714-593-4485.

Home Safety Tips

• Call the Fountain Valley Police Department if you notice suspicious activity.
• Make sure windows and doors are securely locked during the evening hours and when away from the residence.
• For more information on security tips, visit fvpd.org.