Captain Andy Jackson said the police department is asking residents to keep their porch lights on overnight to aid officers patrolling neighborhoods. “We can't say this enough if you have anything of value in your car take it out, put it out of sight. Items left in the car are easy for the taking.”

Over the weekend alone police reported unlocked vehicle break-ins on Jewel Street, Cleveland Street, Pine Drive and East Thirteenth Street.

Last week they reported the same crimes on Steeple Chase Run, Raleigh Street, Williams Street, Hunting Ridge Road, Virginia Street and Arbutus Drive.

Taken in these break-ins were sunglasses, several GPS units, iPods and change. Power tools and hand tools were taken from an unlocked vehicle on Hunting Ridge Road early last week.

Jackson declined to speculate whether the crimes were being committed by the same person or groups of people.

The only description thus far was reported by Officer Mark Oakley, who, while patrolling in the area of Chase Avenue observed a, tall light-skinned person with very skinny legs walking away from a car. The person fled on foot when Oakley went to investigate.

“If you hear or see suspicious activity call 911,” Jackson said, adding that Crimestoppers will give up to a $1,000 for credible information.

Crimestoppers can be reached at 252-583-4444.