Police Ask For Help Catching Burglars In Westlake

WESTLAKE, OH — Westlake police continue to investigate a string of burglaries in the city, and are now asking residents for help to identify the suspects.

Investigators are now asking the public to review any home surveillance footage they may have to see if they captured anything suspicious. Anyone with pertinent information should contact Captain Gerald Vogel.

Police are also offering to conduct a "crime prevention assessment" on homes or businesses or to provide safety tips to homeowners associations. To arrange an appointment, email Westlake police.

There have been five burglaries in Westlake since Jan. 22 and most have happened at the west end of the city. Homes on Lexington Court, Prince Charles, Inverness Circle, Forest Lake Drive and Royal Woods have been broken into.

All targeted homes were unoccupied when the burglars got inside, police said.

The break-ins happened in the early evening hours, after dark, police said. Police believe most of the burglaries have happened between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., when many residents are still awake.

"The suspects appear to be walking through backyards and have been seen with flashlights. We are still trying to develop better descriptions of suspects or an involved vehicle," police said.

The burglaries are not isolated to Westlake, but may also be impacting nearby cities.