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County police are increasing patrols in the Olney area, where thieves and vandals have targeted homes and automobiles in large numbers in recent weeks.
Capt. Nancy Demme, commander of the Montgomery County Police Department's 4th District, said 12 thefts from automobiles and six incidents of vandalism were reported from Thursday to Monday alone.
The majority of the incidents occurred in the southwest quadrant of Olney, many in the Oatlands community.
"Someone's clearly focused on Olney," she said. "Over the past couple of weeks, we have had a lot more incidents in Olney than we usually do."
Demme said that such crimes historically tend to be committed by youths that live in the neighborhood and usually happen several at a time.
"If they are successful, they will try every car door on the street," she said. "I know the volume upsets the neighbors, but a single incident is pretty rare."
In response, Demme has not only stepped up patrols, but has dedicated one officer to following up on each of the reported crimes.
"Usually, it's incumbent upon individual officers to follow up, but this will allow us to go out and talk to people and get a better idea of the big picture," she said. "Hopefully, this will help us to locate the suspects."
While some of the recent incidents were more serious, such as home burglaries and damage to home exteriors by BB guns or golf balls, the majority of the crimes included thefts from automobiles and vandalism to homes, mailboxes or vehicles.
Demme reminds people not to leave valuables in cars and to report anything strange or unusual they may see.
"People also need to heighten their ability to note details," she said. "It helps us to know as much as possible about cars and people that don't belong."
Demme also confirmed that a burglary occurred on Prospect Point Court in Brookeville late Monday evening.
"Someone pried back a window and did make entry into a basement," she said. "An alarm sounded and the suspect took off."
She said responding officers spotted a person in a nearby yard who then ran into the woods. A helicopter was called in, but police were unable to make an apprehension.