You’re racing around your house in at 7 a.m. on a typical school day, desperately trying to make the 7:20 start time. On your way out, you’re grabbing your backpack, keys, and maybe some breakfast. You run out of the house and slam the door, thinking about how much trouble you’ll be in for sheepishly slumping into your first period class. It’s likely that the last thing on your mind is locking the door to your house.

However, with the recent string of burglaries that occurred in Great Fallsfrom October to late November, it should be your first priority. According to PFC Detective Tawny White, police suspect the incidents are related, as no less than four occurred in close proximity. Suspects have been taken into custody, but detectives are still investigating whether they can be connected to all of the burglaries.

As reported by a “Neighbors Network” group in the Great Fallsarea, the burglars systematically enter the house by shattering patio doors or windows and avoid entering fingerprints by wearing gloves. Their pattern seems to involve staking out neighborhoods to observe regular neighborhood traffic, and then using this information to choose a home to target. The burglars seem to look for expensive items that would be difficult to trace and recover. According to a precautionary message sent by the “Neighbors Network” group, the burglars are believed to be members of a gang based in New Yorkand New Jersey.

Freshman Gage Beckwith can understand the importance of security, as his home was recently burglarized. “I woke up and my dad was calling the police. I was really surprised,” said Beckwith.

Regardless of the frequency of the burglaries, in a poll of 100 Langleystudents 32 still reported that they leave the doors to their homes unlocked.

With the holidays approaching, it’s especially important to take necessary precautions to keep your home safe, regardless of the hurry you’re in.

*Additional reporting by Haley Falkenberry