Police say they've nabbed a prolific burglar who hit 17 homes in Prince William County.
Adrian Taylor, 23, of Woodbridge, Va., is facing numerous criminal charges, including statutory burglary and grand larceny, police said. His alleged crimes took place from mid-November to Christmas Eve.
Taylor was caught after trying to sell some stolen property, police said.
He is accused of stealing electronics, jewelry, coins, cash and small power tools. A search of a hotel room Taylor was staying in turned up jewelry, an iPod, credit cards, coins and cash, according to investigators.
Taylor gained entry to the houses by breaking a rear window or entering through an unlocked door, detectives said.
Police have started returning some of the stolen items to the victims.
Prince William County police have issued the following tips to prevent burglaries:
- Lock all doors, windows, garage doors, bay doors, even when you are home.
- Keep photographs and an inventory of valuables.
- Report all suspicious people in your neighborhood.
- Keep your front porch and rear lights on.
