Abbotsford Police are concerned about a rash of break and enters in east Abbotsford and want residents to be on the alert.

"We are in the middle of a bad period," said Sgt. Casey Vinet.

"In the last six weeks, 17 residential breaks-ins have been reported in areas that usually see none to a very few."

Most of the break-ins have occurred in the middle of day while most people are at school or work.

"We suspect the thief is spending some time casing the neighbourhood and waiting until people leave their homes," said Vinet.

It's likely that one or two prolific offenders are responsible for the break-ins, which usually involve the thief breaking smashing glass to get inside a door or window.

The suspect may actually live in the neighbourhood or be repeatedly returning because of the successful thefts, said Vinet.

"Quite often when we see a spike in property crime, it's because someone new has rolled into town and is now living in the area of concern, or a previously known prolific offender has returned after living elsewhere or being in custody," he said.

Police are working to narrow the list of possible suspects.

The neighbourhoods hit include areas near McKee and Mcmillan roads, Immel Street and Laburnum Avenue and along Marshall Road near the intersection with Old Yale Road, said Vinet.

The APD is advising that people take care to secure their home and lock al windows and doors before leaving, consider using an alarm system but most importantly to keep their eyes open, said Vinet.

"Watch out for each other and report all suspicious activity to police."