On two occasions in February and March, suspects apparently used tools found in the victims' garage or storage bin to burglarize homes during the day when no one was home, Burlingame police Sgt. Jim Ford said.
There is no evidence linking the two burglaries other than the mode of entry, but police are advising residents to secure their tools.
On March 31, someone tried to pry open the back door of a home in the 1100 block of Cabrillo Avenue with some tools belonging to the resident, Ford said. The suspect couldn't get inside and left without taking anything.
In another burglary on Feb. 2, an intruder did manage to get into a home in the 200 block of Arundel Road using tools found at the home, Ford said.
The burglar in that case stole property including a camera, money, a gym bag and a Wii game, he said.
"We have not noticed this method of operation in the past where the suspects will use property or tools from the victim to gain entry," Ford said.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call the Burlingame Police Department at (650) 777-4100.
