LEWISTON – Police are investigating a rash of burglaries on Montello Street during which thieves targeted nearly a half dozen homes while the occupants were away for Labor Day weekend.

Police said five family homes were broken into between Friday and Monday, most likely just before dawn.

Investigators said thieves made off with coins, jewelry and other items in the early morning heists. Police do not believe kids on a spontaneous burglary spree are to blame; they suspect organized thieves were at work over the long weekend.

“It wasn’t a one night thing. They actually came back to the homes over at least two nights,” said Lewiston police Detective David Chick. “They were very selective. They were disciplined about what they were taking.”

Neighbors who were home when the houses were burglarized later reported hearing strange noises in the area. However, police did not receive that information until after the fact.

“If you hear a noise in the night, get up and turn on a light. Let it be known that the neighborhood is being watched,” Chick said.

Police are hoping to hear from anyone with information about the burglaries. A break in the case might come in the form of someone who has heard about jewelry or coins being peddled in the area. Or a newspaper carrier may have seen something, since the burglaries are believed to have been committed during normal delivery hours.

“We’d be interested in talking to those people,” Chick said.

Meanwhile, police do not believe the Montello Street heists are related to another rash of burglaries occurring recently in outlying areas of the city.

Investigators said bold, daylight burglaries have been reported in neighborhoods in rural areas of Lewiston, near the Sabattus town line.

Police are hoping to stop those thieves before they strike again. Chick is hoping people will start being more vigilant in their neighborhoods.

“Be a good neighbor,” he said. “And if you do see something, be a good witness. Get those details police can use.”

Chick also advised that people who plan to be away from home for several days get a friend to take in the mail and newspaper. Small signs like not collecting a newspaper can tip off a thief that the house is vacant.

Anyone with information about the recent burglaries is asked to call Chick at 795-9000, ext. 234.

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