Police Ask For Help Finding Suspect In Canton Burglaries

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A rash of burglaries in Canton and police say the robbers are getting more brazen---breaking in when people are home.

Monique Griego has more on a possible suspect and what police are asking neighbors to do.

Canton homeowners are the target of a string of burglaries. Police say robbers are striking at day and night, even if people are home.

"We actually have window air conditioners and in the middle of the day at 3 o'clock on Sunday, somebody tried to break in using one of those by ripping it out of the window," said Brad Lines.

Lines scared the burglar off, but others haven't been as lucky. Within the past month, residents living in neighborhoods surrounding Canton Square have reported dozens of robberies. Some came home to ransacked houses; others were actually confronted by intruders.

"People are entering the houses while in the shower, sitting down watching TV. Everybody is concerned about their safety," said Brian Ayers.

"I'm at home in the middle of the day and have a baby and toddler and it's scary," said Stephanie Krahe.

One of the burglaries on Elliot Street took a strange twist. Residents say a woman asleep on her couch awoke to an intruder who stole her phone. That suspect later took a picture of himself and posted it to the homeowner's Facebook page using her own phone.

"That's insane. That's somebody who doesn't have a fear of getting caught," Ayers said.

Police believe some of the robberies are connected and have issued a warrant for a possible suspect. Still, they're asking neighbors to secure their homes and report suspicious activity.

"Knowing if your neighbors are home, knowing who should be and shouldn't be going in and out of the house next door to you," said Sgt. Eric Kowalczyk.

Residents hope the suspect or suspects are caught before an incident escalates.

Police are increasing the number of patrol units and plainclothes officers in the neighborhood.