BAILEY, Colo. -- A local couple accused of stealing more than 500 pieces of mail is now being linked to a series of burglaries in Park and Jefferson counties.

Michael Pantera and Sophie Schafer were arrested Dec. 22 following a coordinated investigation by U.S. Postal inspectors, the Jefferson County Sheriff and Park County Sheriff.

Park County authorities said Friday that Pantera and Schafer did more than steal mail.

"They were living at different motels in the Denver area," said Park County Undersheriff Monte Gore. "When they needed money, it appears they would drive up and burglarize rural homes ... then take items and pawn them for what cash they could get."

Gore said the suspects hit at least 12 homes in Park County, and at least five in Jefferson County.

"I'm glad they caught them," said Gray Anderson, a resident of the Bailey area. "We live in a real small cabin, so it's nice to know because I think one of our neighbors had been broken into."

After learning about the burglaries, investigators conducted stakeouts to try to catch the suspects red-handed.

They ended up getting a tip about some of the items that were pawned. That's what led them to the suspects already in custody for mail theft.

"I hope they don't get released, and I hope that no one bails them out," said Bailey resident Brenda Higday. "People like that need to be put away because people like us are just trying to make a living in the mountains. It's not easy. We work for what we have."

Investigators said there may be more victims.

"Many property owners have second homes in this area. They could be coming up on the weekend and find that their home has been burglarized," Gore said. "We're still getting reports on that."

The suspects could face a myriad of charges, including second degree burglary, criminal mischief, possession of stolen property, providing false information to a pawn shop and theft -- all felonies.

The thefts and burglaries are making many residents more wary.

"We live right down the road here," said Jim Higday. "I keep my eyes peeled more."