BUCHANAN — A rash of break-ins at residences in the Buchanan Township area has local law enforcement agencies on alert.

Lt. Rick Biggart, of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, said the break-ins have occurred at unoccupied summer homes around Clear Lake, which is located approximately 3 1/2 miles west of the City of Buchanan.

“They are hitting summer homes,” said Biggart. “They are kicking in a door or window and grabbing electronics — anything valuable.

“Unfortunately it comes around this time of the year.”

The break-ins were discovered, Biggart said, when homeowners returned to check on their property.

“We haven’t had anybody who has seen anything,” Biggart said.

The sheriff’s department is advising that people keep an eye out for any suspicious people or vehicles in the area.

“It’s basically about neighbors looking out for neighbors,” Biggart said.

Four or five of these types of break-ins have occurred in the Buchanan Township area within the past four to six weeks, according to the sheriff’s department.

Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department or Michiana Crime Stoppers at (800) 342-7867.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at michianacrimestoppers.com or through a link of the organization’s Facebook page.

Crime Stoppers pays up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.