AUBURN — Police said more than a dozen car burglaries have been reported since last weekend in the area of Monroe Street.

Sgt. Barry Schmieks said Thursday that 16 residents reported their vehicles were ransacked for loose change and a couple of electronic items were taken since Oct. 22.

One resident called police to report he'd seen three people dressed in black hoodies in his backyard, but couldn't identify them otherwise. By the time officers arrived, the three suspects were gone, Schmieks said.

The burglars targeted unlocked vehicles. Schmieks said owners should not only lock their vehicles, but not leave anything of value in their vehicles that might be visible to would-be burglars.

Last week, police in Lewiston reported a rash of car burglaries in the outer College Street area, which investigators called largely crimes of opportunity.

Those burglars were seeking cash in unlocked vehicles, police said.

At least a dozen cars, trucks and minivans were targeted.