COURTLAND – The Southampton County’s Sheriff’s Office is investigating a string of daytime break-ins at residences across the county since October.

According to authorities, the burglaries occurred in Capron, Sedley, Courtland and in the Franklin area.

“Living out in the country does not immunize people from becoming a victim of crime or from needing to exercise basic security practices,” Detective Cpl. Richard Morris of the sheriff’s office said in a written statement.

On Oct. 24 at about 11:39 a.m., deputies responded to a burglary in the 16000 block of Mission Church Road in Franklin. Investigators believe the burglars entered the home by forcing open a side door. Items taken included jewelry and a large amount of change that was stored in several containers.

Deputies were called to a residence in the 34000 block of Vicksville Road in Sedley around 6:35 p.m. on Oct. 30. Detectives said burglars entered through a rear door and took jewelry, a portable video game system and a laptop computer.

Police responded to a residential burglar alarm on Angelico Road in Capron at about 10:45 a.m. Nov. 13. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that burglars had forced open a rear door. Numerous jewelry pieces were reportedly taken.

At around 4:22 p.m. Nov. 14, deputies responded to a burglary in the 14000 block of Wakefield Road in Courtland. Police believe entry was made through a rear window. Items taken included power and hand tools, custom fishing rods, hunting bows, camouflage clothing and an undisclosed amount of money.

Deputies were called to the scene of a residential burglary in the 20000 block of Plank Road in Courtland at about 10:45 a.m. Nov. 28. Investigators found that the home’s rear door had been forced open and a large amount of jewelry was taken.

Detectives said that at the Plank Road break-in, an older-model dark blue or gray Ford F-150 was seen at the residence. The vehicle appeared to be a four-wheel drive with a small amount of body lift.

Anyone having information on any of these burglaries is asked to contact the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office at 653-2100 or Southampton County Crime Solvers at 653-2900. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved and the recovery of the stolen items. Anonymity is assured, and callers do not have to testify in court.