San Francisco hot prowl suspect may have used mail slot to gain entry

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco police are looking for the suspect behind a hot prowl at a home in the Castro District. The suspect may have gained entry by slipping his hand through the mail slot and opening the front door.

SFPD said the crime took place around 1:30 this morning at a residence near 19th and Castro. The homeowners were home at the time and the suspect told them he had a gun. The man took a bag full of personal belongings and electronics. He left without injuring the residents.

Police used a tracking function to pinpoint the items, but eventually lost the suspect. The victims have been taken away from the residence by police.

SFPD have not said whether the couple was targeted or if it was a random act -- which may be why this is being called a hot prowl. A hot prowl is when someone breaks into a home without knowing if it is occupied. A home invasion is where the perpetrator enters with the intent to rob the occupants.