Scottsdale 'dinner-time burglaries': Police warning residents on how to not fall victim

Scottsdale Police are warning residents to be alert after a string of high-end residential burglaries that began late last year.

Police believe the so-called "dinner-time burglaries" are part of a nationwide crime ring involving South American theft groups.

Scottsdale Police say at least 33 of these burglaries were reported at homes in affluent areas of north Scottsdale that appear to have started in October of last year with the most recent reported at the end of last month. 

It's been happening in several other cities around the Valley as well.

Police say they are targeting homes that back up to a wash or a golf course, breaking a window and going right for the primary bedroom and closet looking for valuables while people are out during the dinner-time hours. 

They also believe the burglars are part of a South American organized crime group operating in the U.S. over the past two decades. 

In at least one of these cases, someone was at home while the crooks broke in. There was no confrontation and the homeowner wasn't hurt.

So far in the Scottsdale cases, no arrests have been made. In Phoenix, however, three people were arrested on Feb. 16.

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"We believe that within Scottsdale, we have numerous burglaries that have the same MO. They're breaking the windows through the bedroom and getting in and stealing valuable items that are high-priced without being able to be traced. So that's why we do believe that this is the same group, but there are numerous groups throughout the Valley," Scottsdale Police said.

Town hall held by authorities

A town hall on Feb. 27 was held at Highlands Church on Pinnacle Peak Road to update residents on the latest of this investigation.

The police chief was there along with a crime prevention officer to offer tips on steps people can take to try and avoid being a victim of these burglars.

The turnout was huge.

Hundreds of residents got tips from a panel of police officers on how they can stay safe and keep their property untouched.

"I'm very concerned. That's all I can think about," Teresa Palmer, a Scottsdale resident, said.

Some residents are upgrading security to keep their homes safe while away.

"We have bright lights. We have a Ring camera. We have as much as we can do," Judy Flagg, a Scottsdale resident, said.

At Tuesday night's meeting, a panel of Scottsdale Police officers said it was time to move those valuables, if you have them. 

If the burglars don't find anything, they'll likely leave.

Police say they are increasing close patrol, using drones, and decreasing alarm response times.

"We did have a grace period if we were extremely busy. We'd wait up to 15 minutes to dispatch that. We've gotten rid of that, and we've made it a priority 3, which means officers are going to respond more quickly," police said.

In addition, homeowners can choose to allow the alarm company to call the police first. Fees will be waived for false alarms from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To delay burglars from coming in, police suggest getting good locking mechanisms with deadbolts.

If you're out of town, they suggest filling out the vacation watch form with the police department, so officers are aware and can drive by your home when you're away.

The police chief says he wants residents to be on high alert.

If you see something suspicious, report it, because it only takes the burglars five to 10 minutes to get in and out of your home.