Thief shuts off power at homes before breaking in, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A neighborhood in south Charlotte is on guard after several unusual break-ins happened last week.

In all of the cases, the thief turned off power to the homes before going inside.

Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty spoke with several of the victims including an elderly woman who was home when the lights went out.

Rosemary Califano knew something was wrong when the power suddenly went out at her south Charlotte home. She had no idea someone was trying to break into her home until she spotted a man wearing a mummy mask trying to pry open the back door to her home.

The 86-year old wasn't alone.

Her neighbor's power was also turned off Thursday.

On Friday, another break-in happened two blocks away. The thief shut off the power to that home, as well.

The thief stole jewelry and other valuables at that home.

Police said the thief may be cutting the power to prevent alarms or surveillance cameras from working.  Many systems are equipped with battery backups and other safeguards.

Residents are more vigilant now and plan on calling police if they see anything suspicious.

There was also a greater police presence Friday in the Madison Park neighborhood.

Cox Media Group