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Intruder pops window screen, breaks into girl's bedroom

Posted at 5:16 PM, Jul 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-16 21:38:42-04

EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) - Video shows a burglar lifting a window screen, before popping his head and arms inside to steal from the bedroom of a 10-year-old girl.

Just off Magnolia Avenue at the Park Avenue Apartments, the apartment manager learned of a disturbing discovery on Sunday.

"A tenant came to me and said their window screen was off," said Nancy Caton.

Caton saw why when she looked at surveillance video.  Just before midnight on Saturday night, a figure is seen standing at a first-floor window.

"He's taking the screen off, leaning in window.  His head comes in and then his arms, reaching in the window," said Caton.

The window was the bedroom window of 10-year-old Rosa.  She and her family were not home.  After several moments at the window, the man is seen placing something in a container, before walking away. Another camera spies him strolling away.

"He's very casual, like it's no big deal," said Caton.

The scene he left behind was a tough one for young Rosa, who says the item he grabbed was her photo album.    

"There were pictures I had when I was a little girl.  It's scary and makes me nervous," said Rosa.

Her mom calls the theft "disturbing." Another of their windows screens in a bathroom was also removed. About eight shampoos were taken.  That same night, another screen in a different unit was also taken out.

Caton says any loose screens will be tightened. She plans on passing out his image to neighbors in hopes of catching an intruder.

"I think this man is experienced. Definitely going to be doing it again," said Caton.

Anyone with information is asked to call El Cajon Police at 619-579-3311.