Swampscott Police are seeking the public’s help to find the person or persons responsible for a series of home and car break-ins Monday and Tuesday night.

According to Det. Sgt. Candace Doyle of the Swampscott Police Department, a home and car were both broken into early Tuesday morning in the Pinehill and Sargent Road area. The robbery preceded a subsequent string of motor vehicle break-ins late Tuesday night around Clarke Elementary School in which two unlocked vehicles were entered and robbed, and one car’s windows were smashed.

Doyle said homeowners were away at the time of the Pinehill and Sargent Road break-in and robbery. The perpetrator, she said, entered the house through an unlocked door.

“We want to make sure people lock their doors, especially around the holidays,” Doyle said. “We do live in a safe community. We like to think that we’re safe, but we can’t stop people from coming in and out of our community.”

Since the break-ins, Doyle said residents in the affected areas have sent the Police Department home surveillance camera footage to assist with the investigation. Additionally, Doyle said the Police Department is collaborating with other regional law enforcement agencies to determine whether similar break-ins occurred in neighboring communities.

According to Police Chief Ruben Quesada, Swampscott has seen a 51% reduction in car break-ins from 2023 to 2022. Still, Quesada said, all residents should take necessary precautions to protect themselves against theft.

“When you leave your car, lock it,” Quesada said. “If you see a vehicle or suspicious person in the area, please call the Swampscott Police Department.”

Doyle echoed Quesada’s remarks, adding that residents should never hesitate to call the police if they hear or see anything suspicious at night.

“If you hear something outside your house and you don’t know whether to call or not, just call. That’s why we’re out — we’re open 24 hours… nothing’s too small for us to look at,” Doyle said.