The Irvine Police Department revealed a startling statistic indicating that there has been a dangerous rise in residential burglaries in the community. 

Over the past 35 days, there have been 34 home burglaries, the police department said on social media Friday evening. 

Suspects’ main tactic is knocking down or disabling cameras, officials said, adding that others have been reported to climb to a home’s second story and enter through a window or door. 

Some of the thefts may linked to burglary tourism, which involves sophisticated crime rings coming into the United States, committing burglaries and then leaving without being caught. However, whether any of the recent burglaries in Irvine were committed by South American burglary tourists has not been officially confirmed by law enforcement.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that authorities have noticed an increase over the last five years of thieves from South America coming to the U.S. “for the purpose of committing robberies” at wealthy homes, with one Los Angeles Police Department official telling the publication that while the South American theft groups are not new to the L.A. area, they have become more active in recent months.

According to the Irvine Police Department, some tips homeowners can take to protect their residence include:

• Consider security film on glass windows, doors
• Maintain security and/or camera system
• Put lights on varying timers so the home looks occupied
• Secure valuables in a properly secured safe
• Lock all windows and doors
• Look out for neighbors

Residents who see suspicious people in their neighborhood or walking in open spaces behind homes are advised to call police.