Thieves broke in by smashing glass doors behind the homes in the neighborhood next to Spurwing County Club in north Ada County.
Once inside, they targeted bedrooms and office areas, where they stole cash, jewelry, guns, and other valuable items.
Nobody was home at any of the four residences, which are all in the Linder Road/Chinden Boulevard neighborhood.
The break-ins were all reported on Sunday morning.
Some of the homeowners had been gone for several weeks. One of the homes was empty because it was for sale. One had been gone overnight.
It appears the thieves were staking out the area and identifying which homes were empty.
They appear to be targeting homes that do not have video surveillance systems, motion detector lights, and other security equipment that can act as a deterrent to burglary.
The other common element is that all four homes had back doors that were open to large fields or a golf course.
Anyone with information should send an email to [email protected]
Now that we are about to enter the holiday season and people will be travelling, it would be a good time to review safety and security plans if you’ll be away.
Consider getting a house sitter or having neighbors keep an eye on your property.
You and your neighbors know when something strange is happening in your neighborhood, and if your instinct is telling you something is wrong, you should call Ada County Dispatch at (208) 377-6790 and let them know what is happening.
If it snows, making arrangements for someone to shovel your driveway and sidewalks would be a good idea. Have someone pick up your mail and make sure packages are accounted for.
You may want to invest in some home security equipment like camaras or motion-sensing lights if possible.