Sheriff’s Office releases sketches of suspected burglar

Sketch of burglary suspect

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office released sketches today of a man suspected in a string of burglaries in Pelican Bay.

Earlier this month, the Sheriff’s Office identified nine burglaries reported in Pelican Bay. Since then, authorities said additional burglaries have been reported.

In each incident, entry was made or attempted by prying a dead bolt and forcing open the door. A suspicious person was seen on two occasions.

One time, a resident said a man rang his doorbell several times, then opened the screen door and walked into the house. The homeowner asked the man what he was doing in his house, and the man replied that he was there to fix the sink.

The man said he must have the wrong house, and left, the resident said.

Sketch of burglary suspect

Another witness reported that a man knocked on her front door and asked about a leaky faucet.

“In both of these cases, the homeowners knew nothing of any plumbing issues,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “This appears to be a ruse used to either gain entry into a home, or the excuse used when confronted.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 793-9300.