Halton police detectives are warning residents to be more vigilant in locking doors and windows following a rash of home break-ins this week.

Investigators say they are seeing an increase in daytime residential break and enters. The culprits are gaining entry through rear, unlocked doors and opened windows where the screens have been cut.

The homes being targeted back onto greenspace or a park and are empty as the homeowner is absent between mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Det.-Sgt. Ron Hansen said four homes were entered this week, three of them in the Headon Road area and one on Mainway Drive south of Tansley Woods.

Once inside, the would-be thieves are rummaging through master bedrooms before leaving, usually through the back of a residence.

A rash of home break-ins also occurred Friday, Aug. 29 along Spruce Avenue. A vehicle and electronics were stolen.

Police are encouraging homeowners to ensure their doors and windows are locked.

“Police are vigorously investigating these break-ins and encouraging citizens to immediately report any suspicious people and/or vehicles they observe in their neighbourhood throughout the day,” said Hansen.

Anyone with information that would assist investigators identify the person(s) responsible are asked to call the Det.-Const. Scott French of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Residential Crime Team at 905-634-1831, ext. 2363, or Crime Stoppers of Halton at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting Tip201 with your message to 274637 (crimes).