On Tuesday, June 18, a residential burglary was reported from the 17800 block of Deanna Lane in Canyon Country. This crime occurred between 10:00am and 8:30pm when the residents were away from home. Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station patrol deputies responded and initiated an investigation into the burglary. Deputies discovered a window which was pried open and that jewelry had been stolen from inside the home. Deputies canvased the area and spoke with possible witnesses in order to locate any leads about the suspect or suspects who committed this burglary. The case was then turned over to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau for further investigation.

Santa Clarita Valley Detectives discovered other recent residential burglaries also occurred in the 17700 block of Hillsboro Place in Canyon Country, the 28100 block of Winterdale Drive in Canyon Country, and the 18000 block of West Danielson Street in Canyon Country. Each of these burglaries had similarities and detectives developed a suspicion that they were possibly committed by the same suspect or suspects. As the investigation continued, detectives developed a lead on the identity of one of the suspected burglars. The investigation led detectives to look for the suspect in the Lancaster area.

On Thursday, September 5th 2013, the suspect, Alphonso Word Jr. a 30-year-old male was detained in the area of 3rd Street East and Avenue I, Lancaster, by deputies assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. Shortly thereafter Santa Clarita Valley Detectives served a search warrant at Mr. Word Jr.’s home located in the 4500 block of Sandcroft Lane in Lancaster. A large amount of property believed to be stolen was recovered from inside Mr. Word Jr.’s residence.

Alphonso Word Jr. was arrested for charges relating to residential burglary and for an outstanding arrest warrant for bus fare evasion. He was transported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station where he is being held on $50,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in North Valley Superior Court on Monday, September 9th 2013.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Detectives have been able to return many of the stolen items to their rightful owners, however, there is still property which has not been claimed. If you or someone you know may have had some items stolen recently (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS), from the above Canyon Country areas, please contact Detective Lucas Darland at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121 or at LWDarlan@lasd.org

If you have any information that you feel would further this investigation, or if you know the identities of any additional suspects please contact Detective Darland or call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

Investigators have researched the recovered traceable property and are still working to identify various victims. “Although much of the stolen property has been returned to the rightful owners, we are still trying to locate additional victims”, said Detective Lucas Darland of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

No further information is available at this time.