Three Sterling teenagers face charges after they allegedly entered a Sterling home while the owners were on vacation, Feb. 25.
The teens have been charged with burglary, grand larceny and conspiracy to commit burglary.
Loudoun County SheriffÕs Office spokesperson Kraig Troxell said deputies were called to the home on Bradford Court around 9:30 p.m., after a neighbor saw three subjects hanging around outside of the residence. The neighbor chased one of the teens who escaped in a pickup truck.
Troxell said cash and a bottle of prescription pills were removed from the house. A Loudoun County SheriffÕs Office investigation led to the identification of the three teens who entered a home while the residents were on vacation.
Before homeowners leave for vacation, Troxell reminds residents to check the locks on the doors and windows.
ÒWith the warm weather here, itÕs easy to forget which windows you opened, which ones you locked,Ó he said.
While on vacation, Troxell suggested homeowners give off the impression that someone is home. There are a number of ways to do this, including asking a neighbor to pick up newspapers, mail and package deliveries daily. Keep certain lights on at all times.
ÒAlarm systems are an effective deterrent,Ó Troxell said. ÒIf a burglar sees a sign in the yard or sticker on the window they are less likely to target a house. ItÕs one more thing to impede them.Ó