Sheriff: Burglaries appear related

A string of home burglaries in Curry County earlier this week appear to be connected, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Between Monday and Wednesday there were four burglaries, all but one occurred in a subdivision located north of Mesa Elementary School, Curry County Sheriff Roger Hatcher said. The fourth occurred on N.M. 77 and the homeowners scared the burglars away, Hatcher said.

“We have concerns they may be sitting out or driving around and waiting for (residents) to leave. They’re being selective about it,” he said.

Evidence suggests the person or persons has had time to go through the homes and steal valuables, Hatcher said.

The incidents have occurred in the evening hours, possibly before dark, according to timeline reconstruction from homeowner interviews, Hatcher said.

All the houses were entered in a similar way, Hatcher said, although he would not discuss the manner of entry specifically, citing an ongoing investigation.

Investigators have developed several leads but have made no arrests, Hatcher said.