Eastmoreland break-ins tied to Springwater sweep?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An upscale Portland neighborhood is starting to find itself facing an increase in break-ins.

Some wonder if the increase in crime is from homeless people pushed out of the Springwater Corridor. The thieves seem to know when no one is home in Eastmoreland.

Over the weekend, a man was captured on video by a nearby security camera, breaking open a locked back door.

Two nights in a row the man broke in and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of contractor’s tools and antique fixtures. Items stolen ranged from doorknobs to several chandeliers.

Eastmoreland resident Karissa Dean said she believes the burglar hauled stolen items out through a basement window. She said he emptied out drawers of vintage hardware and tiles and even grabbed stuffed duck trophies.

Contractor Andy Lada said the thief knew what to take among the tools. It was like the burglar was putting together his own

professional tool set.

Dean said other nearby homes have been broken into as well.

Surveillance footage showed the thief trying to break into an empty home for sale. The nice neighborhood is close to the Springwater Corridor.

The Deans now have a security system installed.