On Thursday, a woman walked into her kitchen and found a man sitting in the floor going through her purse.

Another resident told police Friday he found a man trying to get in his back door.

Ironton Detective, Capt. Chris Bowman, said police are investigating roughly a dozen break-ins within the last two weeks that have occurred while the occupants are at home. The thief or thieves are coming through back doors of homes and taking prescription medication, money and small items such as cameras and purses while homeowners are in another part of the residence, on the front porch or in the front yard.

“We’d like people to be aware of what’s going on and in they have any information, call us,” Bowman said. “Most if not all of these we feel are connected and have occurred in the late afternoon or early evening.”

Bowman said these break-ins may be related to similar ones that have occurred in Ashland, Ky. Authorities here are in contact with Ashland police about the matter.

Bowman said people should lock doors if they plan to be outside.

“If you don’t have sight of the door, make sure it’s locked,” he said. “If you’re on the front porch, make sure the back door is locked and vice versa.”

He recommended people take note of suspicious cars, people and activity in their neighborhood, particularly alleys and call police if they see something that looks out of place or unfamiliar.