DENVER -- A prolific burglar is targeting homes in the neighborhoods near Northfield Stapleton.
Social media is ablaze with security video of the same man rummaging through cars, trying to open gates and entering back yards and homes.
Residents say the alleged thief has hit the neighborhood at least 16 times in the last 13 days.
“It’s disturbing,” said resident Patrick Guffey. “We have video which shows the man entering their yards, going up to patio doors, and in one case, he apparently kicked the door in and took a purse.”
Some residents are so concerned, they've banded together to patrol their own streets and alleys.
"The scariest thing is the comfort in which this individual is doing that,” said resident Andrew Alsip. “Obviously, he’s not a first-time criminal. He’s going to continue doing that until he gets caught.”
“It’s alarming that it’s happening right here in our neighborhood,” Dante Barragan told Denver7.
“There are a lot of families here,” said Dante’s wife, Elena. “It’s just scary that we have to be aware of our surroundings every time we’re out.”
Alsip told Denver7 that the shared videos prompted him to go to Home Depot on Sunday.
"I bought a piece of wood to block my sliding glass door," he said, "so you can't (open it all the way.)"
Homeowners told Denver7 that the typical crimes they see in their neighborhood are package theft or an occasional car being rifled through if the door is left unlocked, but not doors being kicked in.
“This has gotten to the point where the neighborhood is starting to take it very seriously,” Guffey said. "There are multiple residents who have formed patrols and they've been out at night looking for the man."
He said he's fearful of what might happen if they find him.
"They might call police and let them handle it," he said. "Or they might end up in a confrontation, and there is word out there that this subject may be armed."
Police have collected fingerprints and are patrolling the neighborhood.
Some residents say they'd like to see a bigger police presence.
Several say this is a reminder to keep doors locked and to have an adequate security system.
If you recognize the man shown in the video, contact Denver Police or Crime Stoppers.