Police are reporting a sudden rash of home burglaries in Wareham, Middleborough, and surrounding towns. Middleborough police say they are seeing a new home burglary reported almost every day. The crimes mostly happen on weekdays, when people typically aren’t home. Police said the burglars have been forcing their way into houses, breaking windows and kicking in doors.

Police are urging residents to look out for anything suspicious in their neighborhoods, and to report it immediately by calling 911.

By suspicious activity, police mean, for example, an open door or window, especially in winter. Or a car driving slowly up and down a street, scoping out the neighborhood. An unfamiliar vehicle in someone’s driveway. People standing in a yard while the homeowners are away on vacation or at work. Any such activity should be reported immediately, police say, adding that, if you’re calling about a suspicious vehicle, try to get the license plate number, a description of the vehicle and its occupants, and direction of travel.

Wareham police say residents can also take precautions to protect their homes from would-be burglars. Leave some lights on at night – on the porch, in the kitchen or bathroom. Lock your doors and windows. Install deadbolts. Alarm systems and outdoor lights with motion detectors will also deter thieves from entering your home. A large dog can also help, according to police.

Police recommend that homeowners take digital photographs of their valuables and give copies to their insurance agent. They should also mark their valuables with their name or license number, write down the serial numbers on their electronics, and keep all of their receipts.

Police say the first place a burglar is likely to look for valuables is the jewelry box on the dresser, so don’t leave your diamonds in there. Next are the dresser drawers in your bedroom, your home office, and then the rest of the house.

Guns, jewelry, cash, and other valuables should be stored in a locked safe that is anchored to an immovable object.

Updated November 26, 2010: Three guns were stolen from a Plymouth Street home during a series of house and car breaks that began on Thanksgiving Eve. There was a second house break on Thanksgiving on Fairview Street, where a children’s electronic game was stolen. There were two car breaks before the holiday: a GPS was stolen from Rice Street and a purse was stolen from a vehicle at the YMCA lot on East Grove Street on Wednesday.

And, of course, we cannot let slip the mention of the cow that was stolen from a home in Lakeville and mysteriously ended up at the Middleboro Police Station.

Updated December 6, 2010: Along with cows not being sacred in Middleboro, the hot new burglary item in town is Christmas decorations. What kind of Grinch steals and vandalizes holiday decorations?!

Sources: The Boston Globe, November 14, 2010, Enterprise News, November 26, 2010 and Enterprise News, December 6, 2010.