CRANBERRY TWP — Township police are asking residents to be vigilant in the wake of three home burglaries.

The burglars in all three cases found an open window or door to access the houses.

Two homes in The Crossings were targeted by burglars on Sept. 12, according to police.

A home on Hunting Ridge Trail was robbed of a handbag and cell phone while the homeowners slept. The thief entered the house through an unlocked back door.

On the same day, police responded to an attempted break-in at a home on Crossing Ridge Trail, where would-be thieves tried to enter a home through an open kitchen window while the homeowners were sleeping.

The suspect fled when the family dog began barking. Police say the open window's screen was cut, but nothing was reported missing.

Another residential burglary occurred six days later in the Autumn Hill housing plan. Officers found thieves had entered the home through an unlocked window before stealing cash and electronics. The burglary occurred while the homeowners slept in a second-floor bedroom.

Police are still checking on the value of the items stolen from the three houses.

Township police ask residents to call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious in their neighborhoods.

They also listed ways to prevent such a break-in, including

• Lock windows and doors when leaving and prior to going to bed. This precaution is especially important for first floor windows and doors.

• Consider removing bushes, shrubs or trees from around the home, especially if they are near a window or door.

• Install a security system with a loud alarm and/or lights, which would alert neighbors in the event of a break-in.

• Do not keep money, jewelry or electronics in an area visible from a window.

• Secure sliding glass doors with a metal rod or something sturdy in the track.

• Keep the perimeter of your home well lit. Installing low-voltage and motion sensor lighting can discourage an intruder.

Detective Bob O'Neill said Monday the police have information that could lead to an arrest.

"We do have a couple leads we are investigating and that's good," said O'Neill.

He said awareness is a resident's best defense against a home invasion.

"People need to be aware that these things are happening," O'Neill said. "We can't just leave everything open all the time. We've got to lock it up."

Ed Brooks, Adams Township assistant police chief, said on Monday his municipality has not had any similar burglaries.