If you live in the Cambridge Port neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts, expect a knock at your door from police this week.
"We're going to go through the neighborhood, we're going to talk to neighbors, maybe do some security assessments of some vulnerabilities of some homes in that neighborhood," Steve DeMarco, Deputy Superintendent of Cambridge Police explains.
DeMarco says a recent rash of similar break-ins has prompted their canvas of the community. He says 27 homes have been hit since the beginning of May. The break-ins typically happen when residents are at work during the day or late at night.
"We have made a couple of arrests and it still hasn't subsided, so that's why we want to make sure we go into the neighborhood, let neighbors know to take action," DeMarco said.
That means properly locking your windows and doors. Police say the burglars have gotten into homes by cutting through window screens, climbing on garbage cans, and pushing air conditioners through windows.
Lucia Berman-Rossi says her home is always locked tight, even though she feels safe in the neighborhood.
"It's still a city, so use commonsense advice," Berman-Rossi said.
Massachusetts
The latest news from around the state
Retired Cambridge police officer Kevin Layne says you can never be too careful.
"Don't take things for granted," Layne said. "It's a nice neighborhood and it's safe around here for the most part, but stuff happens."
And in the summer, police say it's all too common.
"We also want our neighbors to look out for each other to have their eyes open for other neighbors," DeMarco said.
Police will be starting the door knocks Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and then again on Thursday evening. They will be handing out flyers to anyone who wants more information.
