Hot prowlers plague Tahoe neighborhoods

Douglas County residents are reminded to lock their doors at night after a series of residential and vehicle burglaries over the past few weeks.

"All residents of Douglas County should make sure they lock the doors and windows to their residences, garages and vehicles at night or when they are away from their home, and to be on the lookout for any unfamiliar persons or vehicles in their neighborhood," Sheriff Ron Pierini said.

Neighborhoods in Stateline and Zephyr Cove were the scene of several burglaries, according to Sgt. Jim Halsey of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

"Three of the residential burglaries were 'hot prowl' burglaries, meaning residents were home at the time of the incident," Halsey said. "Although the homeowners were unaware of the suspect's presence on their property."

Items stolen have consisted of wallets, loose currency and change, cell phones, and in one instance a handgun that was later discarded and recovered, Halsey said.

"There have been no signs of forced entry into any of the residences or vehicles that were hit," Halsey said.

Halsey asked that Zephyr Heights, Roundhill, Lake Village and Lower Kingsbury residents keep an eye out for any suspicious vehicles or people, particularly at night, and to report it to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center at (775) 782-9931.

Emergency calls should be placed to 911.