ATTLEBORO - City and North Attleboro police investigating about four dozen housebreaks over the past three months believe many of them are related and are appealing to the public to report any suspicious activity.

The most recent incident occurred Friday, when a homeowner on Westminster Avenue in South Attleboro scared off the burglars, police said.

Police believe the perpetrators are looking for homes to break into in neighborhoods with quick access to Interstate 95. The homes that have been broken into were in neighborhoods off Route 1 in South Attleboro, Route 123 in Attleboro and Route 152 in North Attleboro, police said.

"It seems to be clustered around the 95 off and on ramps," Attleboro Detective Lt. John Otrando said Monday.

Most of the break-ins have occurred in the late afternoon or early evening, and the thieves are stealing anything of value that they can carry in a pillow case, such as jewelry, cash and DVDs, investigators say. The burglar or burglars are breaking into the rear of homes by forcing open either a door or window, police say. The break-ins have occurred during the work week, police said.

Last week, homeowners on Ivy Street scared off a burglar about 6 p.m. The burglar was described as heavy set, medium height, wore glasses, dark clothes and wore either a hoody or a hat.

Otrando and North Attleboro Detective Lt. David Dawes say police have recovered shoe prints which appear to be the same in break-ins in both communities.

The two detectives and Attleboro Detective Russell Castro and North Attleboro Detective John Reilly met Monday to compare notes about the burglaries.

Police have put extra patrols on duty and are following up on leads.

But investigators say they need the public's help.

"We're just asking people to report anything suspicious immediately and we'll check it out," Dawes said.

"Anything out of the ordinary," Otrando added.

That means any unfamiliar vehicles or people who are around neighborhoods, they said.

North Attleboro Police Chief Michael P. Gould Sr. said municipal employees who are out on the road have also been asked to take notice and report anything suspicious. "They can be an extra set of eyes for us," Gould said.

Investigators have asked their counterparts in other surrounding towns about break-ins in their communities. But no one reported any burglaries similar to the incidents occurring in Attleboro and North Attleboro, Dawes and Otrando said.

Police say homeowners can protect their own property and are recommending the following steps:

Install burglar alarms.

Make sure exterior lighting is appropriate and install motion-activated lighting.

Make sure doors and windows are locked and lock storm windows and doors, if possible.

Avoid allowing shrubs or trees to grow in front of doors and windows.

Keep a list of valuables and electronics on hand, including manufacturer, model name or number and serial number.

Keep a detailed list of jewelry and include a description or photographs if possible.

Make an identifying mark on valuables.

Agree with your neighbor to watch each other's property.

Notify the police department if your home will be vacant for an extended period of time.