After 6 News received several emails from viewers about a string of recent home break-ins, we decided to get some answers for ourselves.

6 News called Cresson Township Police Tuesday, and found out these burglars are targeting homes in broad daylight by gaining access through back doors when no one is home.

Police believe they have the same motive in three neighboring townships.

It’s been two weeks, and police said break-ins have left five homes ransacked in Lilly, Cresson and Washington Township.

Most residents are coming home to find cash and valuables missing.

"They're gaining access to the rear door or by a door that's not really well seen by the communities. [A] couple of the houses I have were secluded houses [by] kicking the back door in and making entrance to the house,” Cresson Township Police Chief Chris Sweet said.

Sweet said they’re not after the laptops or I-pods you’ve got laying around.

"Jewelry… jewelry. If there's cash [laying] around, they're taking the cash, but a lot of its jewelry; class rings, necklaces, diamonds, rings,” Sweet explained.

Police said the motive is because these bold burglars see dollar signs.

"Now, I think it's pretty good access for money. They turn it in for cash. The price of gold, silver is up and that's where the money is at,” Sweet said.

6 News spoke to one victim off camera who said most of what she had taken was costume jewelry with a few family heirlooms that were passed down, but she, along with Chief Sweet, think they know the real reason behind it.

"A lot to do with drugs, I think all the municipalities in the whole Cambria County/Blair County area is all everybody's seen the drug problem do that; between the heroin, the prescription drugs, the synthetic drugs, the blizzards, y2k stuff,” Sweet said.

The victim also said she’s not as frightened, but more surprised this is happening in small towns where nearly everyone knows their neighbor.

"Communities really need to come together in a time like this; Watch out for one another and unfortunately, we don't have the police coverage that we would love to have. So, we can't be on every street and every alley,” Sweet said.

Chief Sweet said he has some suspects in mind, but until then neighbors should remain vigilant and keep an eye on one another’s houses when a neighbor may not be home.