SAN MATEO (BCN)- A series of residential burglaries have occurred in the Fiesta Gardens and Shoreview neighborhoods of San Mateo in recent weeks, and police are warning residents to be on the alert.

      The burglaries, which are part of a Peninsula-wide increase in property crimes, are generally following the "door knock" profile, in which thieves first knock on a door on a pretext to check if residents are home, police said.

      Most of the burglaries are occurring during weekdays and daytime hours, and target unoccupied homes. Suspect vehicles seen in connection with the crimes include a charcoal colored four-door Acura and a dark colored minivan, police said.

      Residents are encouraged to answer the door verbally, without opening it, to let potential thieves know that they are home.

      In addition, all doors and windows should be locked, even for short trips away from the home.

      Police have made several arrests in connection to other burglaries in recent weeks, and continue to investigate leads on unsolved cases.

   Anyone with information should call San Mateo police at (650) 522-7650 or (650) 522-7676 to leave an anonymous tip.