this is a good example of how cops are almost powerless to stop smart criminals. these rock burglers have been stealing millions in the PV areas for over 10 years and the cops have not busted them. Original Article Chasing criminals who choose to leave no stone unthrown E. J. Montini Republic columnist Jan. 23, 2005 12:00 AM They cast their first stone the same year that Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA finals. Bill Clinton was in his first term as president. Jurassic Park was the big movie. Back then, in 1993, it took a while for police to recognize a pattern to the crimes. The burglar would throw a rock through an unalarmed window of a high-priced home while the residents were away. He'd search the master bedroom and closets, stealing jewelry and watches. But he'd leave behind televisions, electronic equipment and high-priced works of art. The thief didn't roam around the house. He didn't watch TV or make himself a snack from the refrigerator. The mode of entry was crude; everything else was sophisticated. The break-ins happened again and again. Police give the thief a name, the Rock Burglar, although investigators now believe more than one person is involved. The robberies began in Paradise Valley, where police Sgt. Alan Laitsch got onto the case. Now he sometimes wonders who will retire first, him or the burglars. "Personally, I would like them to hang around just long enough for us to catch them," Laitsch told me. Police estimate that the burglars have hit 250 houses and have stolen about $15 million worth of property. The crooks have struck in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Carefree, hitting homes owned by Vice President Dan Quayle and former Diamondbacks Steve Finley and Mark Grace. A multiagency law enforcement task force hasn't been able to catch them. "They obviously spend a lot of time planning," Laitsch said. "And they have tremendous discipline. They'll only waste so much time on a safe, for instance. And they're willing to walk away with nothing." There have been lots of local news articles and TV spots about the case. This month, however, the Rock Burglars received national attention with an article in USA Today. The story brought in nine new leads, Laitsch said. Four have been checked out and found to be dead ends. The rest are being worked on. "There are those who talk about these guys like they're Robin Hoods," Laitsch said. "But I hope no one makes them into heroes. The victims are law-abiding people and many of them have lost family heirlooms. Luckily, no one has been hurt." One of the burglars had a run-in with a homeowner who surprised him, but there were no injuries. Laitsch understands why people are fascinated by the criminals' cunning and 10 years of persistence. And there is the mystery. Who are they? What are they like? Laitsch doesn't believe the thieves live off the money they make from selling stolen goods. He believes they may have regular jobs and commit crimes to supplement their income. Maybe even for fun. He wouldn't be surprised if Hollywood made a film about them, depending on how the case is finally resolved. "But that's something for AFTER we have them behind bars," he said. He's correct. The important thing is to catch these guys and lock them up. And yet, even as we agree with authorities and pray that no one ever gets hurt, we can't help but imagine the film version of the case. In it, perhaps one of the burglars invites a few friends over for dinner. During dessert, an acquaintance admits to accidentally walking out of a store with an item he wasn't charged for and not going back to pay. "That's like stealing," one guest says. Another adds, "Hey, let he who is without sin cast the first stone." And the crooks just look at each other. And smile. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8978.