House break-ins appear related, Howard police say

A series of recent house break-ins in Ellicott City between Bethany Lane and U.S. 29 appear to be related, Howard County police said yesterday.

In four burglaries and one attempted burglary, someone entered or tried to enter the homes by kicking in a rear door, police said. In most cases, police said, the burglars ransacked the master bedroom and took jewelry. The burglars appear to be targeting houses with no lights on during weeknight evening hours, they said.

The break-ins occurred from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. between March 27 and Monday.

The five crimes have been occurred on Hearthstone Road, Mount Hebron Drive, Paulskirk Drive, Michaels Way and Thornbrook Road, police said.

The department has increased patrols in the area.

Officers encourage residents to contact police at 410-313-2200 to report suspicious people or activity in the neighborhood.