Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — An attempted burglary at a residence northwest of Steamboat Springs Wednesday afternoon elicited an extra note of caution from local law enforcement officials.

The Routt County Sheriff's Office responded to a suspected break-in at about 3:30 p.m. at a house along County Road 129.

Officers could not locate the suspects, and the offense is currently under investigation.

The incident hopefully serves as a reminder for people to be more careful about guarding their property, Sheriff John Warner said.

He urged homeowners to be mindful about securing their valuables.

"I would remind everyone to make sure, that if they don't, to lock the doors on their house," Warner said.

No suspects have yet been named in the crime, but Warner said the Sheriff's Office has a few suspects in mind.

Police are uncertain about the number of people who tried to break into the residence on the south side of C.R. 129.

The suspect or suspects attempted to enter the house through a rear door.

Warner could not release many details about the attempted entry, but he said one window was broken in the process.

No one actually entered the house.

The individual or individuals fled when efforts to break in triggered an alarm that was instantly picked up by a local company that monitors alarm systems.

The suspects likely fled on foot, Warner said.

The company immediately notified the Sheriff's Office of the tripped alarm.

When officers arrived, however, they had no clear indication if anyone had entered the house, he said.

Officers took a great deal of time searching the house because of its size, he added.

Warner was fairly confident no items were taken from the residence, which he described as having a high dollar value.

He estimates his officers arrived two to five minutes after the suspects fled from the scene.

Officers are currently investigating the scene of the attempted burglary for clues that might lead to the identity of the person or persons responsible for the attempted break-in.

Warner said most reports of sounding burglar alarms prove to be false.

"This one just happened to be the real thing," he said.

It is, however, indicative of people's need to be aware of the potential for such things and the importance of taking measures to prevent it.

"This is a classic example of some of the growing pains we're experiencing in Routt County," Warner said.

The person or persons responsible for the attempted break-in face second-degree attempted burglary charges, because an entry to the house was never gained.

The charges translate to a class three felony.