Door-knocking burglar tactic told

Published 12:00 am PST Saturday, January 5, 2008 - SacBee.com

ROSEVILLE – Residents are being warned about a man who has been knocking on doors and ringing doorbells in an apparent effort to find houses to burglarize.

Police spokeswoman Dee Dee Gunther said the man was seen going from door to door prior to at least two recent burglaries in east Roseville.

When someone was about to open a door, the suspect would walk away or tell the occupant he was looking for someone and apparently had the wrong address, Gunther said.

"In one incident, a resident heard her doorbell ring but did not answer the door," she said. "A few minutes later, she heard one of her downstairs windows shatter."

The suspect apparently realized someone was home and fled, Gunther said.

Residents have described the suspect as a middle-aged, neatly dressed man with short black hair, Gunther said. He is about 5-foot-8 with a medium build. He is clean-shaven and has been seen driving a dark-colored sedan or coupe.

Gunther urged residents to call 911 immediately if they notice strangers going from door to door or see other suspicious activity on their street. She asked that residents try to provide a description of any suspicious people and any vehicle the suspects may use.

Anyone with information about the recent burglaries is asked to call police at (916) 774-5070 or the Roseville Crime Stoppers at (916) 783-7867. The Crime Stoppers program offers cash rewards for anonymous tips leading to an arrest.