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Police Seek 4 Burglary Suspects Who Used Pasadena Home's Doggie Door

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are on the hunt for four burglary suspects they say gained access to a Pasadena home by crawling through a doggie door Friday.

Officials said the four suspects -- believed to be Latinos from 16-20 years of age -- allegedly entered the home located in the 900 block of North Madison Avenue sometime Friday.

The crime spree started around 1 p.m.and went for nearly two hours.

The burglars stole electronic gear and other valuables, according to Pasadena police Lt. Jason Clawson.

The suspects' images were captured on nearby surveillance video.

KCAL9's Cristy Fajardo spoke to the devastated home owner, the father of two young children.

The victim told Fajardo he was surprised at how meticulous the thieves were. They worked for about two hours and stole TVs, DVDs, Christmas gifts, his kid's piggy banks, and also invaluable keepsakes -- "Like my grandfather's WWII medals."

More disturbingly, the thieves stole "My parents."

The homeowner explained the ashes of both his parents were inside an ornate box.  Valuables are covered under the homeowner's insurance policy but he doesn't believe he will ever get his parents' ashes back. But he said the biggest heartbreak he has this holiday season is having to explain badness in the world to his children.

Three of the suspects were detailed rather vividly. One is described as wearing a gray hat with a black rim and wearing a hoodie. Another suspect is seen wearing a black T-shirt and black beanie. A third suspect is in silver and black plaid shorts as well as a black short sleeve T-shirt.A description of the fourth suspect was not made available.

The video was booked into evidence and not available to the media until Monday, police said.

The victim explained to Fajardo that the family had an unusually-large dog, so the doggie door is also big.

"It's hard not to give him access to food and water," he added.

Pasadena Police want anyone with information about the quartet to call them at (626) 744-4501.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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