SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale residents are changing their routines in hopes they don't become the next target in a recent trend of burglaries striking the Valley.
"We're scared," Judy Anderson, a Scottsdale resident, said. "I'm hiding my jewelry into a different area."
Several law enforcement agencies are tracking what they call "dinnertime burglaries." The name was coined since most of the break-ins happen in the evening hours when people aren't home.
Scottsdale Police said more than 130 "dinnertime burglaries" have been reported around the Valley. About 33 of those reports are from Scottsdale.
Steven Feinstein increased his home security after becoming a victim.
“There was glass everywhere and they ransacked my master bedroom," Feinstein said.
When the burglars walked off with his valuables, he said they also took his sense of security.
"Absolutely awful. It's just very invasive. You don't feel safe," Feinstein said.
Police said the burglars are part of an organized and professional crime ring in South America. The group travels to the United States as tourists, commits quick crimes and leaves.
“They’re not going to stay here too long because they know the longer they stay, just like the longer they stay in the house, the probability starts going up they’re going to get caught," Lt. Jeffrey Hawkins said.
Police said the burglars will park up to a half mile away from the home they're going to break into. They typically target unoccupied homes near golf courses or washes and enter through the back door and head straight to the master bedroom.
In some cases, the groups have been known to carry cellular and wi-fi jamming devices.
"This stuff is powerful and it will shut stuff down," Hawkins said.
Police said the burglars work quickly, only spending about 10 minutes inside a home. They're known to take small valuables, including jewelry, cash and portable safes.
Police said the group hasn't been known to harm people and usually tries to run off if they encounter people.
Scottsdale Police briefed residents on how they're attempting to stop the group during a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday. Their efforts include increased patrols, undercover operations and decreasing response times for alarm calls.
Police said they're utilizing drones and communicating with neighboring agencies about recent trends.
Homeowners are encouraged to increase their home security, including activating alarms and glass break sensors, installing cameras and motion activated lights, and hiding valuables in safes or non-typical places.
Residents told 12News these are changes they've made or will make, but won't feel completely safe until the entire group is caught.
"I'm constantly checking my camera alerts now," Feinstein said. "It’s a very unsettling feeling when somebody’s broken into your home.”
Police are also asking alarm companies that service Scottsdale homes to first notify the Scottsdale Police Department of an alarm activation between 4 and 8 p.m. through April 30. The City of Scottsdale will waive fees related to false alarms during that time frame.
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