Dozens of burglaries have been reported across the area within the past week, all during daylight hours and all allegedly committed by teenagers.

That is not as uncommon as people think, said Sgt. Scott Elliott with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s very common during the day and even more common during the holidays,” he said. “It’s typical for late teens. Their not being supported by family like they want to be, or their parents just don’t have the money.”

Thefts increase during the holidays as some turn to stealing as a means to raise money for gifts and other seasonal needs. Elliott said he expects there will be more burglaries as well as store thefts and purse-snatchings as Christmas draws near.

That’s why the most important thing residents can do is be on alert.

“Anything suspicious in the area, call to report to us so we can at least get a car out to that area to check,” he said.

During many break-ins, including those reported in Springfield and German townships this week, the thieves target homes where it appears no one is inside, Elliott said. Leaving a car in the driveway, turning on lights, leaving TVs or radios on or having a dog that barks when strangers approach can discourage burglars.

“I always leave (TVs and lights) on because I don’t want anyone to be bothering with my house,” he said. “Just make sure it’s loud enough that they can hear it outside at the door.”

In some cases, you can help authorities catch would-be thieves by watching for some tell-tale signs. Most burglars have a lookout: a person who will stand down the street or sit in a car within sight of a home, Elliott said. If you see strangers walking down the street during the day and cutting through yards, he said it’s also a sign of a potential break-in. Calling these sightings in to authorities can help with prevention and apprehension.

To help recover stolen items after a break-in, Lt. Chris Clark said to keep a list of serial numbers for TVs, game systems, computers and other electronics. That way authorities can identify your items when they’re located and return them to you.

For around $30 a month, Elliott said an alarm system is one of the best ways to stop burglars.

“Sometimes just hearing an audible alarm will stop them,” he said. “And we respond to every alarm.”