Brookhaven police are investigating a rash of auto burglaries that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend.

An unidentified suspect, or suspects, broke into at least five vehicles Sunday and Monday, said Capt. Clint Earls.

None of the vehicles were damaged during the thefts, which make police suspect the doors were left unlocked.

The first report came July 3 from the owner of a vehicle parked in the downtown area by Fred’s. On July 4, police received reports of four separate vehicle break-ins, all within a mile of each other, Earls said. Two were at residences on Chippewa Street, while two were on Becker Street.

In all cases, the thefts were “relatively small items taken out of the vehicle,” he said.

Items taken included cell phone charging cable, electronic devices and keys. Two firearms were also reported missing.

“It appears the doors were left unlocked or they gained entry some other way.”

Earls said neighbors found some of the stolen items in their yard.

Police suspect the individual or group responsible for the crime were young and possibly on foot.

He urged residents to lock their vehicle doors.

“It appears like the vehicles that they hit, they were going and just checking vehicles,” he said. “The ones that were unlocked, they went through and the ones that were locked, they bypassed. We encouraged everyone to lock their vehicles.”

Earls also warned about leaving valuable in vehicles, even if locked. items like laptops, cell phones, and iPods can be a temptation to crooks, he said.

Residents are asked to call police if suspicious individuals are seen in neighborhoods.

“If they see somebody that’s out of place in their general are or their neighbor’s area, give us a call,” he said. “We’d much rather check them out and find out there’s a legitimate purpose for them being there than to investigate a crime later.”

Anyone with information about the burglaries are asked to call Crimestoppers at 601-823-0150. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.