LEWISTON – As traditional as black flies and bumblebees, thieves have been an increasing presence locally since the start of spring.

Between mid-May and mid-June, 25 homes have been reported burglarized in Lewiston. In July, there have already been 17 break-ins, according to police tracking the complaints.

Investigators believe the same person or group is responsible for most or all of the burglaries.

Police Detective David Chick said the thieves have been entering homes in upscale neighborhoods by forcing open doors and windows, typically in the back of the house.

The break-ins have been committed while the homeowners were away, suggesting that the thieves researched ahead of time to determine when the house would be empty.

Police said easily carried items have been the most common target of the thieves, with jewelry, coins and cash being among those items.

Investigators are asking people to call police if they see suspicious people or vehicles in their neighborhoods. Business employees are asked to be alert to customers trying to spend or cash in unusually large amounts of coins.

Suspicious activity or tips about the break-ins may be reported to the Lewiston Police Department at 784-6421.