3 Hot-Prowl Burglaries Reported Overnight in San Diego Country Estates

Three “hot-prowl” burglaries early Thursday have prompted the Sheriff's Department to warn residents about the crime series.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Jan Caldwell said nobody was hurt in the latest incidents, which took place between midnight and 5 a.m.

A “hot prowl” is a burglary in which an intruder enters a house while someone is home. Such crimes are dangerous because of the possible confrontation between the burglar and victim.

So far, no one has seen the burglar or burglars, said a sheriff's statement.

Since January, about a dozen hot prowl burglaries have been reported in the San Diego Country Estates area of Ramona, Caldwell said.

“These crimes happened during the overnight hours while the residents are asleep. The suspects took items that were easy to carry such as wallets, iPads, jewelry, purses and entered homes through unlocked doors, windows and garage doors,” said a statement.

The department advises people to lock their doors and windows, especially at night.

“Burglars know doors and windows may be left open during hot weather, and will take advantage of this opportunity,” said a statement. “Make it difficult for them to choose you.”

Anyone with information about the hot prowl burglary series is asked to call the sheriff's nonemergency line at 858-565-5200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.