COLUMBUS, Ohio -- NBC 4's investigative team poured through police reports from over the past three years.
There are pockets of trouble and some of the spots are certainly not where you would expect.
Breaking and entering and burglary…"These are offenses too often police can only react to," said Detective Jason Messer, of Upper Arlington police.
Many times, police said the crimes occur when homeowners leave their guard down -- or during the summer months, leave their garage doors open.
"In our neighborhood, that's where there have been some problems. People feel safe in the neighborhood," said Edie Blough, a Dublin resident.
Some thieves will wait for residents to show a weakness, NBC 4's Marcus Thorpe reported.
"If you are a burglar, you want to go someplace that is dumpy…or a nice part of town?" Messer said.
In Upper Arlington, over the last three years, there have been 44 summer break-ins. Messer said the crimes averaged one a week in 2009.
Residents said they know the good old days have been replaced with thieves looking to score.
"When I was a little girl, absolutely, we left doors unlocked, garage doors open … not anymore," said Karen Hamilton, an Upper Arlington resident.
Some police agencies are trying to help.
In Upper Arlington, patrol officers are on the lookout for weak spots, dropping off safety alert notices to residents.
"(We are) letting homeowners know they found this problem, this problem that might make you a victim," Messer said.
Experts said seasoned thieves can spot a target from a mile away.
"(They) check out a neighborhood before they hit it. What looks good? (They) take note of locations looking unsecure," Messer said.
Summer vacations can also play a factor.
Most law enforcement agencies have a vacation form for residents to submit. While it most likely won't mean extra patrols in their neighborhoods, it can help in the search for suspects.
Experts encourage residents to have adequate lighting to deter would-be thieves.
Another beneficial factor is having a neighbor keep an eye on your home and pick up the mail.
INTERACTIVE SUBURB CRIME MAP:
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