Burglar Enters Homes When Owners Present

police are investigating two similar burglaries in which a man broke by removing a screen and in both cases the owners were home. Investigators do not yet know if the crimes are related but are warning residents to keep doors and windows locked.

In the first case, a resident discovered someone had been in her house after her dog alerted her to it July 28. The resident on Grosse Pointe Court discovered a screen on her backyard upon investigating. 

In that case, police believe the dog scared the burglar away from the home. The screen frame was dented in several areas and was taken as evidence for the case.

In the other case, a resident chased the man from her home.

The owner was downstairs in the living room while heating and cooling workers were working on her system. They left for lunch and she heard creaking sounds from upstairs.

Upon going to find out who was up there, she encountered a man who had broken into the house. He ran out a back sliding door and she chased him.  He found a safe key and entered the safe although police don't believe he was able to take anything.

A store on Mack Avenue was able to provide police with video surveillance that captured a portion of the man's getaway, according to a report.

Police sent a community warning reminding residents to keep door and windows locked. They are looking for ther person responsible for each of the crimes.

In the second burglary, the man rode a cruiser style bicycle toward Mack Avenue. A complete description of the man was not available.