The Austin Police Department Southwest Investigation Unit is currently investigating open garage burglaries in the Circle C, New Villages, Escarpment Lane and Brodie Lane areas dating back from 05/01/03 to the present. Detective Feinartz is leading the investigation and is seeking witnesses that have experienced a subject walking around the area, entering open garages and then if encountered states that he is ''looking for his dog.''

This ''M.O.'' (method of operation) is consistent with several current cases that are presently being investigated. The suspect specifically looks for open garages, and then steals purses and financial documents from vehicles parked in the garage, subsequently using them to fraudulently purchase items at HEB, Targets, and various retail shops in the area. Det. Feinartz has found 3 incidents where the same suspect has been caught in a garage.

A suspect has been identified, however, Det. Feinartz would like to send him away for an extended period of time and is trying to link this suspect to unsolved burglaries dating back to 05/03, possibly 04/03 to add additional charges.

If anyone has experienced the above mentioned observations and or has been a victim of an open garage burglary where credit cards were stolen contact Det. Feinartz with the case number, 974-8252.