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Spate Of Residential Burglaries In Palo Alto Prompt Police Investigation

PALO ALTO (CBS SF) -- Police are investigating a spike in burglaries occurring in the south end of Palo Alto, including one that happened last week.

Fifteen residential burglaries were reported in September, with the most recent reported incident occurring on Sept. 24 in the 3000 block of Cowper Street between 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m., police said.

The suspect removed a screen from an open and unlocked bathroom window and ransacked the residence, stealing jewelry, cash, and small electronic devices, according to police.

After the burglary, a witness saw the suspect leave the house and enter a tan-colored sedan that was parked nearby. Police have released a sketch of the suspect and are asking for the public's help in identifying him.

Investigators said they do not know whether the suspect involved in the Sept. 24 case is responsible for any of the other recent burglaries.

Burglars seem to be targeting specific areas within Palo Alto, most recently Cowper Street, Greer Road, Louis Road, Webster Street and others, according to police.

Although the amount of burglaries committed is lower than the total for 2013 year-to-date, the increase in specific residential neighborhoods has prompted police to remind the public to remain alert and call 911 to report any suspicious behavior.

Anyone with information about the recent burglaries is asked to call Palo Alto police's 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413.

© Copyright 2014 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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