FRANKLIN—Police are looking for help from the community in solving a string of downtown burglaries.

Since Oct. 9, five different downtown businesses have been broken into a total of seven times, according to Lt. T.W. Whitt of the Franklin Police department. The burglaries take place after hours, and all but one have included forced entries.

Whitt said police believe the break-ins are related because of the similar methods used and the burglar’s apparent preference for getting in and out of the businesses quickly and with readily available items.

Cash has been the favorite target, but items that can be easily converted into cash and that are easy to grab also have been taken, Whitt said.

Victims have included Studio A Photography and Artworks, Janet’s Gifts and the Pure gas station. Fred’s Restaurant and Mabel’s Barber Shop both have been hit twice.

Whitt suggested that downtown business owners and customers be especially vigilant in light of the recent burglaries.

&uot;If you see anything suspicious downtown, call us,&uot; he said. &uot;And take extra precautions to safeguard your property.&uot;

Anyone with information about the burglaries, or any other crime, is encouraged to call Franklin Crime Solvers at 562-8599. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward of up to $1,000, and callers can remain anonymous.