String of NE Bend home break-ins include garage stays

(Update: Comments from neighbor, police)

Bend police are investigating reports of a man breaking into at least three houses in the northeast part of town and sleeping in them over the last few days.

The unidentified man has been sleeping in garages, and in one case ate food out of a homeowner’s refrigerator, police said Wednesday.

The latest break-in occurred on Forum Drive, where the man was confronted by a resident and fled the house with her bike, police said.

Mary Scrocca, a neighbor of the victim on Forum Drive, was home when the break in occurred.

“She had just been robbed and a man had ridden off down the street with her bike form her garage.” Scrocca said. “She was beside herself. It was difficult to see.”

The suspect has been known to get in through unlocked doors and windows, according to police.

Bend police Lt. Clint Burleigh urged people to be smart and secure.

“Be that nosy neighbor, understand that, ‘Hey that person is not supposed to be there, I’ve never seen them before and they are going into the side of the house.'” Burleigh said. “Give us a call, let us know that their is something suspicious.”

Neighbors are obviously shaken by the news, and are on high alert after the break in occurred.

“The most upsetting part, I think for us, is that sense of safety and security was taken.” Scrocca said. “And that was the most difficult to deal with.”

The suspect has been described as a white male adult in his mid-20s, with a thin build, about 5-foot-8, with short brown hair and a trimmed beard.

Bend police are advising residents to be on the lookout and aware of their surroundings at home — and, of course, to lock your doors and windows.