Dartmouth police are investigating a string of car break-ins after 18 were reported in the past three weeks -- including six overnight on July 30.

The most recent spree of break-ins was initially reported at around 10 p.m. on July 30 

According to police, a resident reported a suspicious person in the area of Sharp Street who was trying to open car doors. 

Officers searched the area, but were not able to find any suspects. Calls continued to come in overnight and early Wednesday morning about car break-ins in the area. 

Other car break-ins reported over the past three weeks were in the area of Commonwealth Avenue the Bliss Corner neighborhood, and Cove Road. Items stolen include wallets, purses, pocketbooks, loose change and credit cards.

Police do have a person of interest they are searching for in connection with car break-ins on Cove Road. Anyone with information should contact Dartmouth Police at 508-910-1735. 

While police investigate, Chief Brian Levesque is advising residents to ensure their car doors are locked at night. According to police, all 18 cars broken into were unlocked. 

"These are all crimes of opportunity where this thief or thieves are going through neighborhoods pulling on door handles to see what is left unlocked and rifling through peoples' vehicles and belongings," Chief Levesque said. "We are asking residents to be vigilant about locking their doors at night and also reporting any suspicious activity they may see in their neighborhoods."

Residents can also take extra steps to prevent becoming a victim: Never leave keys in a car, close all windows, never leave valuables in a car, or ensure valuables are out of sight, park in well-lit areas or inside a garage if possible, and install lights with motion sensors. Practice the "9 p.m. routine:" Getting into the habit of double-checking car doors at 9 p.m. each night.