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Sam Penrod ReportingMore than 50-thousand dollars in property has been stolen during a recent rash of break-ins at homes under construction. Police believe one man is to blame.
Authorities believe the suspect is responsible for at least 12 break-ins in Utah County and St. George, and possibly even more. Now they are asking for everyone's help in getting the man arrested.
Twenty-eight year old Matthew Dunford is the suspect who Utah County detectives believe has stolen more than 50- thousand dollars worth of property.
Dennis Harris, Utah County Sheriff's Office: "We have very good information he was involved in these burglaries and we'd like to speak with him."
Detectives believe Dunford looked for easy opportunities to steal property, where no one was around.
Dennis Harris, Utah County Sheriff's Office: "He was targeting vacant rental homes, new construction, garages, and so he was hitting several different ones."
They say Dunford stole a wide variety of property, anything that seemed to have any value.
Dennis Harris, Utah County Sheriff's Office: "Compressors, generators, washers and dryers, power tools, hand tools, just about anything he could get his hands on when it comes to construction and personal items."
Even though they don't have their suspect in custody, investigators have recovered more than half of the stolen items.
Dennis Harris, Utah County Sheriff's Office: "So far we have recovered about 27- thousand dollars of the stolen property and actually have returned that back to the owners."
Authorities aren't sure of the motive in this case, but say in most all property crimes there is one common denominator-- drugs.
Dennis Harris, Utah County Sheriff's Office: "A good portion of your thefts are drug related, and in this instance I can't positively say, but I know most of the time that is the reason people are stealing property, to support their habit."
There is a reward being offered for information leading to Dunford's arrest. Anyone with information on where he is, should call the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
