Police say unidentified burglar is repeat offender

WASHINGTON — Law enforcement officials say they’re searching for a suspect who stole cash and items from unlocked cars in two unlocked garages on West Madison Street in Washington during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 4.

The city police department posted two photos to Facebook Sunday morning of a person whose face was mostly covered, which appeared to be taken from the angle of a doorbell camera. The post said law enforcement needed help identifying the individual, and that tips should be called in at 319-653-2107. The post was shared 485 times as of Tuesday morning.

According to police, the masked figure entered garages after trying and failing to enter a locked residence. The Facebook post said they “appear to be the same suspect in several other burglaries in the last few months.”

A search of the department’s publicly posted call for service log shows at least 13 calls related to burglaries in Washington since May 1. Many involved cash stolen from unlocked vehicles, much like Sunday morning’s incident.

Community members reacted to the reports with concern, and advice that others lock their doors.

“Just (because) this is a small community doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your guard up,” said one comment on the Facebook post. “I can’t believe this person has broke into multiple folks’ houses/garages and hasn’t been popped.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com