Dozens of firearms have been taken in a series of burglaries this month in the northeastern Liberty County community of Tarkington Prairie, officials said.

Two men are being sought for questioning in the 13 break-ins. No one was home during the burglaries, Liberty County Sheriff's Office Capt. Rex Evans said.

Nearly 100 firearms - from hunting rifles, shotguns, pistols and handguns - have been taken. Evans estimated they have a street value in the thousands of dollars.

Hit quickly

The burglars struck between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and spent about a minute inside each home, Evans said.

"That's why this case has brought so much attention, at least with us, is the burglaries are very specific," Evans said. "The items that they are after, the time of day that they are conducting these burglaries and the rapid way in which they are conducting them, there's just no real precaution to that."

The firearms were taken from glass cabinets, gun racks and bedroom closets.

Evans urged gun owners to secure their weapons.

"Something that is very difficult for someone to get into and or remove from their home," he said Monday. "Anything that would impede these suspects from getting their firearms."

Liberty County authorities want to question two men who are considered persons of interest in the thefts, Evans said.

jesus.acevedo@chron.com