Law enforcement in a Colorado city reports that a string of burglaries seem to be targeting homes that butt up against open spaces, golf courses, and commercial property. This adds to a trend of similar burglaries that have been reported in Arapahoe and Boulder counties, with authorities in Arapahoe County indicating that the thefts may be linked to a South American crime group.

Lone Tree police, which is located in Douglas County, have indicated that these burglaries seem to be part of a “growing pattern” of similar crimes that are taking place in the Denver metro area. According to the Lone Tree Police Department, the burglaries involve suspects gaining access to a property by shattering a large window or sliding glass door on the rear of the home, proceeding to take cash, high-value purses, jewelry, and other items.

At this point, Lone Tree PD reports that no one has been at home at the time the burglaries have taken place. Law enforcement did note that one concerning trend of the burglaries is that homeowners of Asian descent seem to be targeted.

Two burglaries that follow this pattern have taken place in the Heritage Hills neighborhood located just west of I-25 – one on November 12 and another on December 3. Both of these crimes took place on a Tuesday, which varies from those reported in Arapahoe County which tended to take place on Friday around dinnertime. In the most recent of those crimes, images of a potential suspect vehicle were captured – a gray 2002 to 2009 GMC Envoy without license plates. The suspect vehicle is reported to have significant damage on it’s driver’s side front quarter panel, non-matching wheels, and a sunroof.

Residents in the area have been asked to be on alert, utilizing security systems and calling 911 if anything suspicious is seen or if the the suspect vehicle is spotted.

The Lone Tree PD investigation into the situation continues.