The Sammamish Police Department (SPD) issued a warning to residents Sept. 13 to be vigilant following a rise in residential burglaries.

Since Aug. 1, SPD has seen a marked rise in the number of burglaries involving forced entry. SPD officials could not immediately provide a total number of burglaries, however most took place north and east of the intersection of 228th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Eighth Street.

In a majority of the cases, burglars gained entry by breaking glass next to the front door, reaching in and unlocking the door, SPD Sgt. Tony Garza said. Some burglaries are committed in as few as 15 minutes.

While residents are urged to contact police to report suspicious people and vehicles in their neighborhoods, there are steps Garza says residents can take to help protect their own property.

“If you have a home alarm, make sure you set it,” Garza said. “Be vigilant for things that seem out of place, like unfamiliar vehicles parked in a neighbor’s driveway.”

Sammamish Police are increasing their patrols in the areas hardest hit, Garza said.

Police also are searching for two vehicles of interest. The first is described as a late-’90s model Mercedes, gray or silver in color. The second is a white 1991 Chevrolet Camaro, Wash. license plate ARD8025.

Anyone with information on the burglaries, the vehicles, or who wish to report something suspicious, are urged to call 911. Residents can also call 206-296-3311.