Burglars hit Lower Makefield homes on New Year's Eve

LOWER MAKEFIELD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Authorities are investigating multiple burglaries that took place on New Year's Eve in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Police released photos Wednesday of some of the jewelry taken from five homes in Lower Makefield Township.

They include:

- 2 identical Phillies necklaces with diamonds and women's names are engraved on the back

- a distinctive gold and pearl necklace in the shape of a cross

- a gold coin communion bracelet from Venezuela

Police say on New Year's Eve while homeowners were away someone broke into five houses within two developments located about a mile apart.

"The person or persons come through the back door. They get into the house. They don't ransack anything. They bypass computer equipment, tablets, iPads, things like that, seems to be focused on jewelry," Lower Makefield Township Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi said.

Residents came home and discovered the items missing.

Police say there wasn't really anything the victims could have done to prevent the crime.

The suspect or suspects simply knew when to strike.

"Homes were locked up nice and tight. They were just out enjoying the New Year. That's the way they started off their year," Coluzzi said.

Police say such nighttime burglaries are rare around the township, but some residents weren't surprised to hear the spacious new homes were targeted by thieves.

"Cause there's money here and where there's money, the crooks are going to come," resident Mark Stuckley said.

The stolen jewelry has sentimental value to the owners.

Police hope anyone who comes across it - perhaps at a pawn shop owner, a jewelry store, or for sale online - contacts them right away.

"We think they're identifiable and we think that the public can help us with this," Coluzzi said.

If you have any information or come across the items, you are asked to contact Lower Makefield Township police at (215) 493-4011.