Burglar Targets Three Occupied Homes In Durham Neighborhood

Durham police are investigating three burglaries into occupied homes that occurred early Thursday in the Forest Hills neighborhood.

At about 2:26 a.m., police responded to a burglary call on Hermitage Court where a woman woke up and saw a man in her bedroom. When the woman spoke to him, police said, the man fled.

Police said the woman's husband then chased the man into the basement and locked the door, but the man was able to escape before officers arrived.

Earlier in the morning, two other burglaries were reported on Wells Street -- one at 1:09 a.m., when a man fled the scene after he saw the resident.

Police said some jewelry was taken from one of the houses, which was found later in a nearby yard. Nothing else was reported missing.

The burglar was described as a black male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall with a slight build. He was dressed in black clothing and was carrying a flashlight, police said.

Investigators ask that anyone with information to contact the Durham Police Department at

(919) 560-1020, ext. 226

or CrimeStoppers at

(919) 683-1200

.