ISLE OF WIGHT—Since the end of March, nine burglaries have struck homeowners in south and central Isle of Wight County, said Kristen Wilda, spokeswoman for the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Department. She added that an additional five occurred in Southampton County on May 7.

Here is where the burglaries have taken place:

• Isle of Wight: 300 block of Council Road on March 26; 7300 block of Ecella Road, April 26; 6200 block of Fire Tower Road, May 1; 10100 block of Cut Thru Road, May 7; 4200 block of Duck Town Road, 26400 block of River Run Trail (three instances) and 28100 block of Dardens Mill Road on May 10.
• Southampton: 11400 block of Wakefield Road, Sedley, 7400 block of Freemans Road, Wakefield, 34500 block of Warrique Road, Wakefield, all on May 10.

In all cases, the crimes took place anytime from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with entry gained by forcing open side or rear doors, she said. With one exception, there was no one home when the burglaries occurred. In that event, the suspect – described as a black male by the resident – fled the scene when spotted.

Wilda also said the IW Sheriff’s Office has gotten reports of two suspicious vehicles that could be associated with the burglaries. One is a gold Kia hatchback operated by two black males. The second is a small red or burgundy car occupied by three black males, one of whom is wearing dreadlocks.

Residents of both Isle of Wight and Southampton counties are asked to be vigilant and call immediately when suspicious behavior is observed. Contact the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s office at (757) 357-2151 and the Southampton Sheriff’s office at (757) 653-2100.