Rash of home burglaries hits Black Forest

More than a dozen home break-ins have occurred since December in Black Forest and northern El Paso County, authorities said Wednesday.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office asks residents to watch for and report any suspicious or unusual activity.

“(The burglars) first check to see if anyone’s home,” said Sgt. John Sarkisian. “If there is, they sometimes use a ruse to say they’re selling magazines or looking for someone. If there isn’t, they kick in a door or break a window.”

Sarkisian said the thieves take cash, jewelry, electronic devices and guns.

“They’re bold by doing it in broad daylight but they know most of their victims are probably at work,” he said.

Sarkisian said he believes the burglaries are connected to more than a dozen similar burglaries to the north in Douglas County.

“A silver Pontiac Grand Am was stolen in one of those break-ins,” he said. “Residents should keep an eye out for it because it may be being used in the Black Forest crimes.”

Many Black Forest residents said they hadn’t heard about the burglaries and are surprised by them.

“Our entire property is fenced, and we have a secure gate — and we have three dogs, which would deter most people,” said Jody Pfeil, a resident. “But some people don’t have dogs and a fence.”