Serial Burglar Wanted For 15 Incidents Across California

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A suspected serial burglar is on the run, and tonight investigators say he could be responsible for as many as 15 burglaries across the state.

The spree covers Fairfield, Sacramento the bay area and Orange County. CBS13 takes a look at what investigators say the suspect took and how he keeps getting away.

Investigators say the suspect went great lengths to get away at times even disguising himself as a worker. Fairfield police say Justin Ortiz stole thousands of dollars from several stores within the Westfield Solano Shopping Centre.

"He primarily started in the food court businesses, generally searching for safes and cash drawers," said Fairfield police Sgt. Rob Lenke.

Detectives say surveillance footage they have shows Ortiz carrying a box holding a safe he ripped off from one of the food court restaurants.

"That's a crock of crap," said Laurie Boardman, a shopper.

The break-ins happened between January and February 2013. Officers say Ortiz hit five places within the mall after hours and stole workers' uniforms, going as far as to put them on before leaving the stores in order to blend in.

"He's able to get in and out undetected," said Lenke.

"I'm kind of scared by that, that someone would go to that measure to do wrong," said Brian Bellou, a shopper.

Investigators are focusing on Ortiz's profile. They're waiting and searching for a break in this break-in case. And mall businesses are hopeful surveillance footage will help catch Ortiz.

Detectives tell CBS13 that in addition to stealing cash and safes, Ortiz allegedly took surveillance cameras from the stores he hit.