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Crime & Safety

Watchful Residents Help Thwart a Residential Burglary

Two TVs and other stolen items are returned. Police say neighborly help is vital in stopping residential burglaries.

Watchful neighbors helped to thwart a 11:45 p.m. residential burglary Thursday night in the 700 block of Galatea Street.

Neighbors saw two men carrying televisions, a popcorn machine, a stereo and computer equipment from the home of a neighbor who was on vacation. They notified police and by 3 a.m. Friday both suspects had been arrested on suspicion of residential burglary.

Glendora Police arrested Rodolfo Gomez, 20, of Glendora and Christopher Gray, 20, of Azusa.

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Sgt. James DeMond said it is just the type of neighborly help that can discourage and stop residential burglaries. He said the chances of recovering stolen goods skyrockets when citizens use their eyes and ears to spot unusual activity and report it to police.

In this case, a group of local residents stopped the two suspects as they were carrying a television across the street toward Gomez' home. Another resident called police.

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When officers arrived, they found and arrested Gomez. A helicopter was called in from Pasadena, but the search failed to turn up Gray.

DeMond said Gray returned to the neighborhood at about 3 a.m. Friday. Neighbors contacted police and he was found and arrested.

Investigators determined that the suspects entered the home of the vacationing resident after removing the screen from an unlocked window. They removed two TVs, a popcorn machine, a stereo and computer equipment, DeMond said.

“Everything stolen was returned,” he said.

The two men were taken to the Glendora jail and are being held on $50,000 bail. They are scheduled to be arraigned at the West Covina courthouse on June 20.

DeMond said that if residents see suspicious people or cars in their neighborhood that they’ve not seen before, to contact police. He said that it is much harder to solve burglary cases after the crimes is committed and the burglars are gone.

“It is really important to call into police,” DeMond said. “Also, know your neighbors.”

And he recommended joining a community watch program.

“Neighbors need to pay attention,” he said.

Police also urge residents to make sure all doors and windows are locked when away from home. Alarm systems can also be a plus.

Glendora averages about 200 burglaries per year, according to police.

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