DURHAM – Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department deputies were busy Thursday responding to reports of overnight thefts from 42 vehicles around town.

Deputy Sheriff Randy Williams said calls started coming it at 6 a.m., and by 6 p.m., 23 homeowners had reported thefts involving 42 vehicles, some unlocked.

The reports covered the eastern half of the town, north from the Lisbon line, southeast to Brunswick and south to Pownal. Among the roads where thefts occurred, Williams said, were Swamp, Hallowell, Runaround, Pinkham Brook and Soper roads, as well as Route 9.

There appeared to be no “rhyme or reason” for what was taken, he added.

In some cases, car doors were found ajar in an apparent effort not to make any noise and glove boxes were opened and rifled through.

Included in the loot were coins, CDs and DVDs, two wallets and a purse that was found farther down a road. In one instance, a piece of jewelry was taken and another left behind.

Ironically, Williams said, more expensive items such as tools were not taken, and sometimes coins were untouched.

No vandalism was reported in any of the break-ins.

The string of thefts are believed to have happened between 11 p.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday, Williams said.

He checked with law enforcement agencies in Lisbon, Brunswick and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, which patrols Pownal, but there were no similar incidents reported there.

A total value of the stolen items has not been determined because deputies have not had time to tally them.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department is urging homeowners not to leave valuables in vehicles and to lock them at night and keep a light on inside their homes.

Anyone observing suspicious activity or having information is asked to call Williams at 784-7361, ext. 63.