BATH TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Police said they believe that home burglaries in at least four different communities are believed to be related.

The crimes in question occurred in Bath, Orange Village, Moreland Hills and Sharon Township.

Police said the crimes are very similar, occurring in the middle of the night, mostly when the homeowners are on vacation.

Police are now looking into about 20 burglaries in three counties that occurred since February to see if there is any connection.

Laura Bettinger was in Florida when she learned someone had invaded her Bath Township home.

When Bettinger returned she saw one rock tossed through a back door and another through an upstairs window.

Her belongings were strewn all over the house. An X-Box, jewelry and a purse had been stolen.

"It's very scary and even now I can feel the emotion that I felt that night when I got the call that somebody had actually gone through my house, looked at all of my things," said Bettinger.

She isn't the only one with frayed nerves in the upscale community. Police said a doctor's home was trashed and robbers made off with computers, cameras and jewelry.

"So far the suspects have not encountered anyone inside the house, but it's always a possibility that it would escalate to a violent crime," said Bath Police Chief Michael McNeely.

McNeely said nine crimes in the township appear to be linked to similar burglaries in other wealthy communities.

McNeeley said the thieves first ring door bells or bust windows to check if anyone is home before striking.

"At this point, we really don't have anything to go on, so this is why again, we're asking for the public's help," he said.

Police said the burglars may also be canvassing neighborhoods looking for the next home to target.

"My doors are locked all the time. When the kids run back and forth, I'm constantly making sure that we lock up afterwards so I just hope they catch them," Bettinger said.

Police advise homeowners to call the police department before leaving on vacation so that an officer can check on your house.

You can also ask neighbors to be on a lookout and leave some lights on.