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Property Crime Investigation – Burglary and Identity Theft:
A main staple of any property crime investigator’s case load has always been burglary, a crime traditionally driven by the
desire to steal property. However, as times and technology have changed, one of the main motivators to commit burglary has
become identity theft. As with any criminal act, burglary and identity theft can be crimes of opportunity or crimes involving
extensive planning and forethought. Members of the Investigations Services section have solved both types of cases during
the month of September.
Throughout late August and early September, a loosely knit group of young adult males began frequenting some of the western
residential subdivisions within the City of Centennial. During their visits, the young men would drive and walk around scouting
neighborhoods for homes with open garage doors, piled up newspapers, residents who appeared to be away from home, and any
other crimes of opportunity they may encounter. Once an easy target was identified, a suspect would enter the residence and
steal whatever items of value were convenient and available, such as computers, cameras, cash, jewelry, electronics, and even
cars from the garage if they were found to have keys in the ignition. Occasionally, the suspects would come across a wallet,
purse or briefcase containing the victim’s credit cards and/or checkbook, creating the opportunity for identity theft.
Through neighborhood canvases, witness descriptions, and surveillance footage of the suspects using the victims’ financial
transaction devices, investigators were able to develop suspect descriptions and disseminate crime bulletins to neighboring
agencies. Good surveillance photographs were obtained because the suspects were not careful to conceal their faces when committing
the identity theft portion of the crimes. This thorough investigative work resulted in the identification and apprehension
of several suspects who are believed to have been involved in numerous residential burglaries throughout the south and west
metro area.
In contrast, since January of 2008, an adult male with a lengthy history of burglary and identity theft has been targeting
residential areas along E. Arapahoe Rd. between S. Havana St. and S. Buckley Rd. During the early morning hours, the male
would force entry into the victims’ homes (sometimes while they were still inside sleeping) and selectively remove one or
two credit cards from the victim’s wallet or purse, leaving the victim unaware that anything was stolen. The male would immediately
take the stolen credit cards to various gas stations and Target stores, where they were used to purchase iPods, video games,
and other high-end electronic items for resale through untraceable outlets such as eBay and Craig’s List. The suspect in this
case was very planned and careful in his technique and left very few leads in the case other than surveillance video from
Target, in which his face was partially covered by a ball cap.
The cases were finally solved when the suspect used a victim’s credit card to purchase a set of tires. He did not realize
that his vehicle information and license plate number would be recorded on the tire invoice, ultimately leading to his identification.
To date, six cases of identity theft have been filed against the suspect in Arapahoe County and he is under investigation
for numerous burglaries in the State of Texas. In addition, based on the suspect’s criminal history, he will be submitted
as a candidate for the Chronic Offender Program.
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