Sudbury police are investigating a series of thefts involving someone breaking into at least three homes on Hillcrest Drive in Lively and stealing women’s underwear.

"[Those] were the only items taken in those break-ins," said Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Robin Tiplady, who also heads-up the Notification of Community Crime Program.

Every week, officers comb through more than a month's worth of incident reports "to try and establish patterns and trends of crime," he said.

It was during this weekly routine that NOCC saw a link between reported crimes in Lively.

"We saw an increase in break-ins and when we looked at the reports of what was taken, it came to our attention it was women's undergarments," Tiplady said.

Officers then canvassed more than 100 homes in the area to notify residents.

Unfamiliar person? Call police

The investigation is now in the hands of the Criminal Investigation Division and police have a list of possible suspects.

This string of thefts is another reason why people need to pay attention to who is in their neighbourhood, said police spokesperson Meghan O’Malley.

"In this instance, the crime data was showing for that area that there had been an increase in break-and-enters … theft of undergarments, and harassing phone calls," she said.

"So … pamphlets were handed out communicating with the residents, discussing with them how to take appropriate measures."

O’Malley said if people see an unfamiliar vehicle or person in their neighbourhood, they should contact police.

The investigation into the thefts in Lively continues.