DALLAS (CBS 11
/ TXA 21)
May 12,
2010 5:13 pm US/Central

He poses as a potential North Texas homebuyer,
but police say one man has stolen thousands of dollars worth of jewelry
from
houses that are up for sale.

The suspect, Steven Breed, has already visited several houses in
Highland Park.

At one Highland Park
open house last month, Breed is believed to have stolen more than
$20,000 worth
of jewelry. The stolen items included an 18 karat gold necklace, valued
at
$4,500 and an 18 karat gold bracelet with ruby, emerald and sapphire
stones,
valued at $15,000.

"We just see this pattern, and if it's not stopped, it'll continue
on," said Detective Marty Nevil, with the Highland Park Department of
Public Safety. "I think it's going to grow."

Investigators believe the 53-year-old poses as a potential homebuyer and
sometimes
gives the name 'Max Holloway'.

The burglary suspect is believed to be driving a black, Ford Focus, with
the Texas license plate
J87-SSW.

Police say Breed either visits properties during an open house or
actually
makes an appointment, with the realtor, to see the home. Once inside, he
roams
around looking for valuables -- usually jewelry.

Police believe Breed may have committed similar crimes in Collin
County and has now moved to Dallas and Highland
Park.

Home sellers in the area say they are on alert. "It makes me a little
concerned," said Teri Sullivan, whose house is up for sale. "I've
definitely been putting things up and being a little more cautious to
make sure
when the showing group calls that it is in fact a realtor bringing
somebody."

Realtors say these types of crimes were happening a few years ago, and
have now
made a comeback. Tom Branch, with Re/Max Realtors, advises his clients
to keep
their valuables in a safe or even off-site at a safety deposit box.

"These people are predators plain and simple. Why break into a house,
when
you can simply walk into one that's open?" Branch asked.

Police are asking realtors to call 911 if they come in contact with
Breed.