Suspect sought in nearly two dozen Birch Bay burglaries

PETER JENSEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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Whatcom County sheriff's detectives are looking for a man they believe is connected to 20 burglaries in the Birch Bay area that have cost residents more than $50,000.

The crime spree began in March, and the crimes tend to occur on weekend afternoons and target jewelry, money and other small, valuable items, according to Sheriff Bill Elfo.

In some cases the thief broke into a house shortly after the residents left, indicating the person was watching the house before breaking in.

WHATCOM CO. SHERIFF'S OFFICE | COURTESY PHOTO

The thief entered the homes through an unlocked door or by kicking down a door, according to Elfo.

Detectives believe they have a video image of the suspect. They obtained it after a burglary was reported on the 4800 block of Anderson Road in which the burglar stole six rolls of pennies.

A half-hour later a man wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt entered the Bay Center Market and made a purchase with six rolls of pennies. The transaction was captured on the store's security cameras.

Anyone with information about these thefts should call the Sheriff's Office at 676-6650.