HOUSTON – Deputies with the Harris County Precinct 8 Constable's Office are warning residents to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
In the last couple of months they have seen a rise in the number of homes being broken into. There have been more than a dozen since the beginning of May.
All of the crimes are happening during the day in the neighborhoods along Clear Lake City Boulevard.
"First, they got into my backyard from the fence," said one homeowner, who was victimized. "They broke a window and got in. They got all the jewelry, cash and valuable items."
He said the crooks went to his master bedroom and also stole a 200 pound gun safe. He believes they came equipped with a dolly and wheeled it out his front door.
"I came home and saw the window broken, the front door open," he said.
Chief Deputy Jason Finnen told Local 2 the thieves are ringing doorbells or knocking to see if anyone's home. If no one answers they go around back and break in. If someone does answer they usually make-up a story about selling magazines.
Investigators said the crimes in the neighborhoods have all been the same, but it's not necessarily the same suspects.
They want neighbors to keep an eye out for one another and if someone does knock at your front door, don't ignore it. Make sure the suspects know you are home.
Investigators said you don't have to open the door, but you can turn on a light or speak to them through the door.
Deputies also want residents to call them if they see anything suspicious so they can come and investigate.