This incident is similar to several other recent burglaries in Cupertino. According to the sheriff's office at the Westside Substation, there were 20 such robberies in January. And there have been several more in February. Similar crimes have also taken place in Saratoga, although the sheriff's office doesn't know if they are connected.

"The trend is that it is not stopping," said Capt. John Hirokawa of the sheriff's office. Hirokawa said it's uncertain if the same person has committed the robberies or whether it is a group of people. "We have a pattern of time," he said, "but the days have been sporadic."

Generally, the burglaries have taken place during the day and in the early evening. The burglar(s) enter homes by breaking or prying open rear windows and taking jewelry or cash.

"It's most prevalent between 5 and 7 [p.m.]," Hirokawa said. "That's when people leave for dinner." He also said the hours between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. have been hot times for the crimes.

While the break-ins have occurred across Cupertino, two neighborhoods in particular have been targeted--Blaney Road north of Stevens Creek Boulevard and the Rainbow-Stelling area.

Hirokawa said the sheriff's office has taken extra preventative measures and urged residents to do the same.

Jeff Trybus, who runs a Neighborhood Watch program involving 1,800 Cupertino residents, said people should secure windows and doors before they leave for work. "It's the simple preventative measures that will help greatly," he said.

"Neighbors need to come together to communicate and watch over things," Hirokawa said, adding that residents should be aware of suspicious individuals or vehicles. "Don't expect to see people running down the street with a pillow case," he said. "It's more likely going to be someone with a backpack since small items have mostly been taken." Solicitors going door to door are also to be treated with caution, especially those without a permit.

Hirokawa said the sheriff's office is also looking into two individuals recently released from juvenile detention. The individuals along with a third were responsible for 22 robberies in December. At that time, the Rancho Rinconada neighborhood was especially targeted.

In addition, Hirokawa said residents should be aware of unfamiliar vehicles. "You should know what car belongs to what neighbor," he said.

"We need the community to come together and to be alert," Hirokawa said. "The only way we can catch someone is by the community coming forward with information."

Those with information about the crimes should call 408.299.2311. Suspicious individuals and vehicles should be reported by calling 911. To report a suspicious vehicle, residents should write down the license plate number. Residents interested in participating in the Neighborhood Watch program can call 408.777.3177.