The Leesburg Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving a rash of burglaries that have plagued the area since Dec. 3, including two churches near downtown Leesburg.

The areas that have been affected so far are in the northwest and southwest portions closest to downtown Leesburg.

So far, officers have taken reports from a resident whose home in the 200 block of West Market Street SW was burglarized during the day.

Staff from St. James Episcopal Church on Cornwall Street NW and the Leesburg United Methodist Church in the 100 block of West Market Street SW have reported incidents to the department as well.

The last incident was reported to police this morning. Cash and valued property appear to be the target in all four cases.

In all incidents, the properties were unoccupied at the time of the burglaries, police said.

The Leesburg Police Department is asking anyone with information about any of these incidents to contact the them as soon as possible at 703-771-4500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can use TIPSUBMIT by cellphone or from a computer. TIPSUBMIT links can be found on the department’s website at http://www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=135 .

Callers can also use the Leesburg Police Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477).

The Leesburg Police Department is reminding citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activity or persons to authorities as soon as possible. Lock doors and windows always.

While most people assume that burglaries occur only in the evening hours, they do occur in the daytime while many people go to work. With families shopping for holiday gifts this season, the department is reminding residents to dispose of any packages of high valued items purchased (TVs, computers, etc) carefully. Do not leave the boxes at the curb for pick up. This only announces publicly what may now be in your home. Destroy the boxes by shredding them or personally take the box to the recycling center.