Two break-ins this week in North Naples appear to be the
work of Dinner Set burglars, say Collier County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
Dinner Set burglars are professional criminals who typically
strike upscale homes while the residents are out to dinner.
In the most recent burglary, a home on Troon Lakes Drive in the
Pelican Marsh was broken into Wednesday evening. Detectives said the burglars
may have entered the home from the lanai and rear sliding glass door. They
focused on a particular room and made off with an undisclosed amount of jewelry
and designer handbags.
On Monday, a residence on Myrtle Road was broken into.
Detective said a rear sliding glass door may have been a point of interest as a
possible entry. One room of the house had been disturbed and the burglars left
with an undisclosed amount of jewelry.
Detectives say Dinner Set burglars surveil homes typically
between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Before entering, they hide in nearby dark locations
such as golf courses and watch through the home’s windows for signs of
activity. If they do not see anyone inside after 20-30 minutes they attempt to make
entry, usually through the master bedroom sliding glass door. They work quickly
and are typically out of the home within minutes.
Following these tips can help prevent someone from entering
your home and taking your property:
* Keep your doors and windows locked, especially if you’re
not home. Turn on your alarm, if you have one.
* Trim bushes and trees away from windows and doors. They
can provide a good hiding place for a burglar.
* Don’t place packaging for pricey home goods such as a
television or computer box at the end of your driveway for trash pick-up.
* Always report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
* Organize a Neighborhood Watch in your community.
* Schedule a free home security assessment conducted by a
CCSO Crime Prevention specialist. Call the Crime Prevention Section at
239.252.0700, or e-mail prevention@colliersheriff.org
for more information.
Anyone with information on these burglaries is asked to call
the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300, or to remain anonymous and
be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477 (TIPS).
