DEARBORN – A total of five burglaries were committed on a single afternoon, Dec. 27, 2010 in Dearborn at homes near Telegraph Road between Ford and Cherry Hill, according to city police.

Items including cash and jewelry were taken in each case.

Police Chief Ron Haddad said that all five were likely committed by the same person, who kicked in side doors when nobody was home.

Haddad said that citizens should be vigilant of their surroundings and to call a neighbor and/or police if they see anything suspicious.

He also cautioned that people should dispose of boxes from new electronic items in a discreet manner because potential thieves tend to target houses with newly-bought items.

Despite news of the burglaries, Haddad noted that the city of Dearborn saw an estimated 25 percent reduction in burglaries and home invasions in 2010.

Haddad attributed the numbers to added patrols, undercover operations, and more vigilant citizens.

Many had worried that the numbers would increase due to the continued poor economic climate in Michigan and the U.S.

Haddad said that overall crime dropped about six percent in the city as well in 2010.