Littleton Police Investigating Burglaries at Luxury Homes in Arapahoe

Published on October 31, 2024

surveillance footage of robbery suspect

The Littleton Police Department (LPD) is working with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ASCO) and other law enforcement agencies to investigate multiple burglaries across local jurisdictions. Between February 2, 2024 and October 18, 2024, at least nine high-value, single-family homes throughout Arapahoe County have been burglarized during the dinner-time hours, usually 1-2 hours after sunset. The burglaries are happening in homes which back to open space, green belts, canals, trails, golf courses or have heavy tree cover along their property line.

 

Investigators believe these so-called “dinnertime burglaries” are part of a crime pattern occurring nationwide involving multiple South American theft groups. Four different law enforcement agencies in Arapahoe County are working together to investigate these crimes: The Littleton Police Department, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Cherry Hills Village Police Department, and the Columbine Valley Police Department.

 

The majority of burglaries have occurred on a Friday between 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. when homeowners are not home. Two to four suspects work together wearing masks, hoodies, gloves, and sometimes carrying a backpack. They will smash an exterior glass door, then rummage through closets, dressers and bathrooms. They steal small valuable items such as jewelry, designer purses, cash and safes. At least one burglary in Cherry Hills Village was interrupted by a homeowner who was home at the time. So far, nine incidents have been reported:

 

Cherry Hills Village – 4

Columbine Valley – 1

Littleton – 2

Unincorporated Arapahoe County – 2


 

Similar burglaries have occurred in Scottsdale, Arizona and the San Fernando Valley in Southern California where the suspects surveil their victims either electronically or visually and use jammers to disrupt home alarm systems, however, it is unknown if the suspects in Colorado are doing this.

 

Investigators say the nine thefts total almost $1 million in stolen goods. There are no vehicle descriptions because it’s believed the criminals are dropped off and picked up away from the home.

 

Investigators are urging residents to call 911 if you see an in-progress crime or use our non-emergency number of (303) 794-1551 to report suspicious activity. You can also call Crimestoppers with your anonymous tips at (720) 913-STOP.

 

Safety tips for residents:

  • When leaving your home, lock all your doors, close your windows and set your alarms.
  • Leave lights on or use automatic timers to make your home look occupied and difficult to break in.
  • Install motion sensor lights outdoors to illuminate dark areas.
  • Consider purchasing exterior and interior cameras. Some cameras allow you to notify police of crimes in progress.
  • Consider installing shatter-proof window-tinting to prevent criminals from breaking the glass.
  • Be suspicious of people loitering around your house. If something looks suspicious, trust your instincts and call police.
  • Join a neighborhood watch group and look out for your fellow neighbors.
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