San Marino, CA, December 13, 2025
In San Marino, three men disguised as landscapers attempted to break into a residence but were thwarted by an alert housekeeper. The suspects caused power and water disruptions while attempting to cut into the home’s systems using a reciprocating saw. They fled after being confronted and escaped towards a nearby street. Authorities are calling for public vigilance and information regarding the suspects, who closely resembled service providers.
San Marino, CA – Attempted Burglary Thwarted by Alert Housekeeper
Three men posing as landscapers attempted to break into a San Marino residence on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, but fled when confronted by a housekeeper.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., the suspects used a handheld reciprocating saw to cut into the home’s electrical and water systems, causing power and water disruptions. The housekeeper, present at the time, witnessed the intrusion and notified the homeowner, who was not at the residence. The suspects escaped by jumping over a wall onto an adjacent property on Chaucer Road, where they were seen running through a driveway and heading toward Lombardy Road.
The individuals were described as wearing tan boonie-style hats, face masks, green long-sleeved T-shirts, tan work pants, dark-colored shoes, and carrying black backpacks. Their attire closely resembled that of landscapers. Surveillance footage recovered during the investigation showed the suspects appearing to approach an older model dark-colored sports utility vehicle. A surveillance camera, likely belonging to the suspects, was also found at the scene.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspects to contact the San Marino Police Department Detective Bureau at 626-300-0720. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 800-222-8477.
Background on Similar Incidents
This incident aligns with a growing trend of burglars disguising themselves as landscapers to access residences. In Newark, California, police have investigated similar cases where suspects, masked as workers, have knocked on doors and, upon receiving no response, entered homes to steal valuables. Residents are advised to exercise caution when answering their doors and to verify the identity of service providers through communication before allowing entry.
Additionally, authorities in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, have alerted residents about similar schemes where criminals posed as landscapers and wore traffic vests while feigning work. This pattern highlights the need for enhanced community awareness and vigilance in reporting any suspicious behavior.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Marino, CA |
| Date and Time | Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. |
| Suspects’ Appearance | Tan boonie-style hats, face masks, green long-sleeved T-shirts, tan work pants, dark-colored shoes, black backpacks |
| Method of Entry | Attempted break-in using a handheld reciprocating saw, causing power and water disruptions |
| Escape Route | Jumped over a wall onto an adjacent property on Chaucer Road, running through a driveway, heading toward Lombardy Road |
| Vehicle Description | Suspected to approach an older model dark-colored sports utility vehicle |
| Evidence Recovered | Surveillance footage showing the suspects and a likely belonging surveillance camera |
| Contact Information | San Marino Police Department Detective Bureau at 626-300-0720; Anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 |
Conclusion
The attempted burglary in San Marino underscores the importance of community vigilance and proactive measures for home security. Residents are encouraged to remain alert, verify service providers’ identities, and report suspicious activity to the authorities. By fostering a culture of awareness, the community can work together to deter crime and protect one another’s homes.
FAQ
What happened in San Marino, CA?
Three men posing as landscapers attempted to break into a San Marino residence on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, but fled when confronted by a housekeeper.
How did the suspects attempt the break-in?
The suspects used a handheld reciprocating saw to cut into the home’s electrical and water systems, causing power and water disruptions.
What did the housekeeper do?
The housekeeper witnessed the intrusion and notified the homeowner, who was not at the residence at the time.
How did the suspects escape?
The suspects escaped by jumping over a wall onto an adjacent property on Chaucer Road, where they were seen running through a driveway and heading toward Lombardy Road.
What did the suspects look like?
The individuals were described as wearing tan boonie-style hats, face masks, green long-sleeved T-shirts, tan work pants, dark-colored shoes, and carrying black backpacks. Their attire closely resembled that of landscapers.
What should residents do if they have information?
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspects to contact the San Marino Police Department Detective Bureau at 626-300-0720. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 800-222-8477.
Are there similar incidents elsewhere?
Yes, in Newark, California, police have reported similar cases where suspects disguised as landscapers or utility workers have entered and burglarized homes. Residents are advised to be cautious and not open doors to strangers, even if they appear to be service providers. It’s recommended to communicate through the door and verify the identity of the individual before allowing entry. If you are not home, monitoring security cameras and checking alerts can help detect suspicious activity.
What should residents do to protect themselves?
Residents are encouraged to be vigilant, not open doors to strangers, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities to help prevent such incidents.
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