LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Police are investigating a series of home break ins that occurred on Thursday and Friday.

 

Police Chief Timothy Sorrell said on Monday there were five successful break ins and one attempt. The thieves are entering through windows during the work day and stealing cash and coins.

 

"We had an attempt on Wednesday, a successful one on Thursday, and on Friday is when they hit us," Sorrell said. "They are cutting screens and getting in."

 

Wednesday's attempted break in on Summer Street at 9 a.m.was thwarted by an alarm system. On Thursday, a home on Scott Road was broken into and then four homes on North Main Street were broken into on Friday. All of the break ins occurred during the work day, with Friday's happening in the afternoon.

 

"It was in the 500-600 block of North Main," the chief said. "These homes are right on the main road."

 

On Friday, Police issued a reverse 911 call and a Facebook post warning residents of the break-ins. On Saturday, Pittsfield Police issued a similar call to residents there.

 

Sorrell said it appears that the break ins in both municipalities could be related. He says the crooks are passing up on valuable items, such as jewelry, in search of cash, even spare change.

 

On Monday, Cheshire Police also posted warning of several car break ins, though it isn't clear if that is related to the ones in Pittsfield and Lanesborough.

 

Sorrell warns residents to lock their doors and - despite the heat - close up the windows low to the ground.

 

"If they can reach it, they are lifting screens and getting in," Sorrell said.