Neighbors of four homes that were broken into the week of October 14 are working to help law enforcement capture the thief.

An artist’s sketch of the man who was seen breaking into one of the homes on High Point Way has been circulated throughout the area, and neighbors are urging anyone who’s seen him to contact the King County Sheriff’s Department.

The man, pictured in large glasses and a narrow-brimmed homburg, is believed to have robbed three homes. A resident of the fourth home he broke into told police that the man left without incident when she threatened to call for help. She was able to describe him for the police artist who produced the sketch.

Detective Scott Garnet with the King County Sheriff’s Office that is handling the investigation, said they are circulating the sketch, but no one has come forward with information about the suspect yet. There have been reports of a man matching the description in North Bend and Fall City.

Police are also not sure if the man was working alone or with a group of robbers. Anyone with information about this suspect or the burglaries should call Detective Christy Marsalisi at (206) 296-3883.

The three homes that were robbed appeared to have been thoroughly searched by thieves, who left a huge mess in each home. Items stolen included jewelry, car keys, clothing and electronics. No one has been injured.

Garnet said the burglaries have been very upsetting to the community, which is so secluded, there hasn’t been much crime in the area. These neighborhoods can be attractive targets for thieves, though.

“Because of that isolation, it’s hard to see if something is happening,” Garnet said. He urges community members to take precautions, such as installing home alarms and trimming back plants that are close to the house and could hide intruders.

“The Sheriff’s Office highly recommends installing a burglar alarm as a crime preventive,” he said. Many thieves will seek a different target if they see a home has an alarm system, he said.

Other things to watch out for include unexpected activity in homes that are in foreclosure, or for sale, and people walking through neighborhoods claiming to be looking for work. The Sheriff’s Office offers detailed lists of tips to secure your home and property, available on its website at www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/Safety/Home.aspx.