A series of residential burglaries this week in upscale South Coast neighborhoods has been keeping detectives busy, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, there were two break-ins on the 800 block of Sand Point Road in Carpinteria, said Raquel Zick, sheriff’s public information officer.

There also was a burglary Wednesday on the 1500 block of Las Tunas Road in Montecito, Zick said, and another Thursday on the 600 block of Juan Crespi Lane.

“In the past week, deputies have taken several burglary reports with notable similarities in the resident layouts, times of occurrence, and items taken,” Zick said. “In these burglaries, criminals target unoccupied residences that back up to open spaces such as golf courses as well as creeks, streams or the ocean.”

They also are choosing properties “that have some kind of rural aspect to them,” she said.

“If you have a creek back up to your property and are considering that a barrier, it’s not.”

The crimes have mainly occurred between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., she said, and with one possible exception, no one was home at the time.

The thieves in these cases are targeting safes, which they are breaking into to remove the contents, Zick said.

No arrests had been made in any of these incidents as of Friday, Zick said.

The Sheriff’s Office offered the following suggestions to deter residents from being targeted:

• Install a Security System: A monitored security system can deter burglars and alert authorities in case of a break-in. Activate alarm systems when leaving the house. Even if you only plan on being away for a brief period.
• Security Lighting: Well-lit exteriors make it difficult for burglars to approach unseen. Install motion sensor lights around entrances. Leave indoor lights and/or televisions on during the evening hours to give the appearance the house is occupied.
• Secure Doors and Windows: Use solid core or metal doors and reinforce windows with security film or laminated glass. Close and lock all windows and doors when leaving the house.
• Secure Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows, and consider a home safe for important documents and jewelry. Personal safes have been specifically targeted during these burglaries. Consider permanently securing safes, storing valuables in heavy, well-constructed safes, safe deposit boxes or other secure locations. 
• Get to Know Your Neighbors: Building strong relationships with neighbors can lead to a more vigilant and supportive community. Be a good neighbor and report suspicious vehicles or individuals immediately by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at 805.683.2724. Pay particular attention to vehicles that drive slowly up and down residential streets, vehicles parked on a street with the engine on and headlights off, and vehicles parked adjacent to hiking trails during hours that are not consistent with hiking.