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Belmont police say there has been an uptick in residential break-ins in the Massachusetts town.

According to police, three homes in the Boston suburb were broken into during the early morning hours on Monday. The homes were located on Adams Street, Madison Street and Watson Road.

Police said the break-ins happened in a similar fashion, as the suspect cut screens that were blocking an open window or unlocked entryway door in order to get inside the homes.

The suspect appears to be targeting electronics and other valuable items. Police said four laptops were stolen, so they suggest placing those items in a safe deposit box or hidden area that is not a dresser or closet.

Police said the suspect also appears to be going through backyards while moving from house to house.

Video of the suspect has been shared on the Belmont Police Department's Facebook page.

Belmont police said they have responded to the rise in break-ins by increasing patrols in the areas where they occurred.

Residents who observe any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods — such as someone parking in front of a home and walking down the street or around the corner, or a stranger walking around homes and through backyards — should immediately call 911.

Those looking for investigative information should call Belmont police detectives at 617-993-2550. Residents who have other concerns can call police at 617-993-2501.

The Belmont Police Department offered the following tips to help prevent home burglaries:

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