There have been a rash of burglaries in West Reading. Police want people to lock up and to be on the look out. The break-ins may have been a violation, but one victim said she's not frightened. She's seeking justice.

West Reading Police said they are investigating five separate break-ins that have happened over the past month. They said they have some leads, but they're looking for your help.

Karen Rice said last week right before Thanksgiving her home was ransacked by thieves.

"I work hard for my money and if you don't work hard for your money what right do you have to come into my home, invade my space and take my things?" asked Rice.

She lives on the 700 block of Franklin Street --  one of five homes in West Reading, police said was broken into by burglars who used the alleyways to get in.

"How are they doing it that they're able to slip in and slip out?" said Rice. "I believe they were in the alley and they were watching."

Police said they want people to be watching too. Fiona Planer said she had no idea this was happening.

"It's a big concern. It's made me want to go out and look at getting an alarm system," said Planer.

Police said the burglars strike between 4 and 7 o'clock around dusk.

"They didn't just take the jewelry," said Rice, "They didn't just take that. They took memories, they took things that can never be replaced."

Rice wanted her neighbors in West Reading to be on alert and think back to last week.

"Cause somebody had to see something," said Rice, "Whether it was van, whether it was strange person on the street or in the back alley or walking up the street--
somebody saw something."

Rice said if people call in when they see something suspicious or someone in their neighborhood that doesn't belong, it will help the police with their investigation.

"They deserve to be behind bars," said Rice, "They have to pay for what they did."

Rice has since bought a dog for protection.

And West Reading police said they are talking with Shillington, Reading and Central Berks police departments because they believe the burglars may be hitting homes there.