Burglaries on rise around county

While acknowledging the burglary and vandalism at Anderson Union High School, APD Captain Robert Kirvin said City of Anderson has not seen the increase in burglaries seen elsewhere in the county.

While all property was recovered from the high school, Kirvin said a group of juveniles and two unidentified teenage adults broke into and vandalized the swimming pool office. They also stole $2,000 worth of tools from the metal shop, APD Sergeant Brian Van Dyke said. The group later drove to Prime 11 Cinemas where they reached through the ticket booth window and stole two small fans and promotional drink lids for the Disney feature, "G-force."

For their efforts, the suspects were captured by the security camera at the Anderson cinema. The APD would file a complaint with juvenile probation and the district attorney.

Thefts across the county have increased, however.

On Saturday, Casey James Morgan, 28, of Cottonwood led deputies on a foot pursuit from Roger's Frosty to Foothill Vista Drive in Cottonwood. While attempting his escape, Morgan allegedly tried to break into several residences.

"He waited in my backyard for a little bit, until I chase him away," said an unidentified witness.

"Shortly after he attempted at the first house, he tried again at another house perhaps half a block away. When police came to arrest the man, he attempted an on foot escape."

While Morgan was wanted on a warrant for parole violation, he may be connected to other burglaries in the area, Sheriff's Department Patrol Captain Mike Ashmun said.

"Thefts are up significantly compared to last year," he said, adding that he couldn't offer statistical proof because analysts had been laid off.

Since June, about ten burglaries were reported in Cottonwood in the areas of White Oak and El Camino subdivisions, Sheriff's Department Detective Brian Jackson said. Many of which are daytime and forced-entry burglaries, he said.

Jackson added that the sheriff's department has increased patrols in the area, and the burglaries have largely decreased in the area since July.

Burglars commonly knock on the door to determine whether the occupants are home, Jackson said. If someone answers the door, the burglar may claim to have the wrong house or be looking for a lost pet.

"They always have an excuse ready," Jackson said.

Nine night-time thefts in Happy Valley last month were likely crimes of opportunity, according to Ashmun. Minor property thefts, each, he said, as suspects gained entry through a variety of unlocked vehicles and using garage door openers.

The thefts are still under investigation, he said.

Residential burglaries in Redding have doubled over the previous year according to RPD Sergeant Bruce Bonner, who added that 17 burglaries were committed in the city in one weekend at the beginning of August.

Joshua Allen contributed to this story.