Before the holidays, robberies happen more and more.

PATASKALA, Ohio - Pataskala police are warning of an increase in break-ins and robberies.

Leighanna Visintine and her family work hard for what they have.

Sadly, the cameras outside her Pataskala home are needed so they can hopefully keep what they have.

"The last four months, we've been broken into three times," she said.

She said burglars, twice, broke into her husband's construction equipment building and stole supplies.

Last Thursday, she said someone stole cans of gas, a grease gun, and an underground diesel fuel tank.

"For some reason, it's been getting progressively worse," said Visintine, who's lived in the same house for 28 years.

After filing a report with the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Visintine took to social media and posted on the Pataskala Facebook page about the theft.

People began commenting about similar experiences from stolen four-wheelers to stolen cross-bows.

"It starts to typically spike about this time of year," said Gary Smith, a Detective Sgt. with the Pataskala Police Department.

Smith said before the holidays, robberies happen more and more.

However, he said there are things people can do to not be a statistic, including having more exterior lighting at their house because of the fall's longer nighttime.

Also, police said to close your garage doors while working on your yard to help keep thieves out. Finally, Smith said to close your lower level blinds to prevent your belongings from being seen.

He also said to get to know your neighbor.

"They recognize when cars aren't supposed to be there," he said. "They know that if you have a blue car there, there's never a blue car in your driveway. They know to call you."

Visintine hopes others hear her story and make the necessary changes around their homes.