Some male Stratford residents were asked to voluntarily give DNA samples last weekend as the RCMP attempts to catch a house burglar who has eluded them for months.

A male has been cutting screens and then pushing open unlocked windows to gain access to homes, say police.

Last weekend, officers asked some male residents in the community to voluntarily give a DNA swab sample.

"As part of the investigation, they were going around last weekend, door-to-door, and had asked some people to give DNA samples," said Sgt. Leanne Butler.

"If a member comes to your door, they will explain very clearly, have paperwork and explain how it`s a voluntary process ... As part of the paperwork, they will explain to the people that these are for this investigation only, and they will be destroyed after."

RCMP aren't saying how many DNA samples were collected, which neighbourhoods were visited or if they plan to go door to door again.

Similar break-ins have also occurred in Charlottetown and Cornwall. Police have set up a joint task force to investigate the incidents.

Meanwhile, residents are being warned to lock all doors and windows when they aren't at home and to watch for suspicious activity.

Anyone with information can call RCMP at 902-368-9300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or texting TIP162.

Question of the day: Is voluntary DNA testing to catch a burglar a good idea?