Eugene police have linked a residential break-in Thursday, April 16, in the Churchill neighborhood to an unidentified burglary crew targeting households believed to keep valuables stored at home.

“The homes where the burglaries occur are not related to a specific area but rather to the selection of victims who are believed to have valuables and cash at home,” police said in a Thursday news release. 

Police are advising against storing large amounts of cash at home. Safes have been known to have been stolen by criminals working together, police said.

The latest burglary alert follows the October arrest of seven people eventually linked to burglaries of Asian-American households in Oregon and Washington.

Like those burglaries, police warn that burglary crew suspected in the latest break-in may be screening or surveilling potential victims and using jamming devices to shut down home cameras. 

Police offered tips for homeowners:

  • Lock all windows and doors, using deadbolts if available.
  • Install cameras providing real-time alerts. Consider that hardwired home security systems are more difficult to be jammed.
  • Use timers for TVs and lights when away.
  • Close blinds when away and leave exterior lights on at night.
  • Make the home appear occupied when away or arrange to have someone stay at your house while gone.
  • Arrange mutual aid with your neighbors, keeping an eye on each other’s properties while you are gone.

Police said Eugene residents can schedule vacation house checks while gone and also home assessments with the Eugene Police Community Engagement Team.