South Pasadena Residents On High Alert After 2 Recent Home Burglaries

SOUTH PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — South Pasadena police Wednesday encouraged residents to use home alarm systems in the wake of two recent home burglaries.

The first incident occurred in the 5000 block of Collis Avenue around 2:15 p.m. on Dec. 7, police said.

The victim heard knocking at the door, but did not answer because she was asleep. Minutes later, she walked into the kitchen after hearing noises and reportedly saw the suspect halfway through the kitchen window as he fled the scene, according to authorities.

He was described as a black man between 18 and 20 years old, roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall and 190 pounds. He was wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and dark blue nylon pants with two white stripes down the pant legs.

A neighbor told authorities a man matching that description knocked on their door and asked for directions prior to the incident.

The second burglary took place on Dec. 9 at 11:21 p.m. in the 1900 block of Alpha Avenue.

One of the victims, who wished to remain unidentified, said she heard a suspect tearing up paper bags and tissues inside the home.

She said another family member saw the culprit in the living room and ran back upstairs.

"I called 911. She went into my niece's bedroom who was sleeping, covered her mouth and told her someone was in the house. Had her call 911, as well," the woman said.

The suspect, however, ran off with some Christmas presents and jewelry.

A helicopter spotted the suspect running from the victim's residence, but lost him when he ran into some bushes.

Police are warning residents to use their alarm systems, even when they are at home sleeping.

"Most alarms can still be activated while you are home, the interior motion sensors are just disabled but the perimeter doors are still active," officers said.