The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of burglaries in eastern Loudoun where thieves are breaking into homes and likely targeting gold jewelry.

Since December, there have been seven burglaries in the area that are likely connected, according to Liz Mills, spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

In most of the cases the thieves entered the homes through a rear door or window while the residents were not at home.

The most recent burglary occurred on Feb. 15 where a home on Freeport Place in Dulles, miles from Rose Lee Carter Elementary School, was broken into and jewelry taken.

The first burglary was reported Dec. 1 from a home on Lecroy Circle in Lansdowne near Seldens Landing Elementary School. The home was entered while no one was home and cash was taken. A similar burglary was reported the same day in the 43800 block of Riverpoint Drive. In that case a laptop, jewelry and a camera were taken.

On Dec. 7 a home in the 20600 block of Rainsboro Drive in Ashburn was broken into and jewelry and cash were stolen. The same day a home on Queensbridge Drive in Brambleton was entered and a briefcase was taken.

The burglaries continued in 2013 when on Feb. 9 a home was entered in the 42000 block of Porch Light Drive in Aldie near Gum Spring Road. In that incident jewelry was stolen. Another burglary was reported Feb. 9 on Camerons Point Court in Dulles, near the airport. Nothing was reported taken from the home in that case.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has been initiating directed patrols in these areas and continues to encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, Mills said.

Deputies are reminding residents to report any suspicious behavior, vehicles or people by calling the Sheriff's Office 24-hour-non-emergency number at 703-777-1021. Residents are reminded to call 911 in an emergency.