Topeka, KAN. (WIBW)—Police are investigating a recent rash of burglaries in southwest Topeka, resulting in thousands upon thousands of dollars in goods stolen. Police say they are not sure why the 2700 2800 blocks of Burlingame road continue to be victimized by burglars.

Deann Bartell has lived off of Burlingame for six years now and has never had any problems. She says it's a nice, quiet place for her grandsons to play. She was surprised thieves targeted her neighborhood four times in just 24 hours.

“It just means I have to be a little more diligent about doors being locked and watching the neighborhood,” said Bartell.

Police were called to 2730 S.W. Burlingame around 5:30 Thursday morning after an 82-year-old woman was assaulted by a would-be burglar. Emergency personnel found a back door had been broken open while the woman slept. Authorities say the suspect ransacked her bedroom and didn't find anything of value so he began shaking the woman. She hit her lifeline, which scared him off.

That's not the only area seeing a spike in crime. Collins Park saw five burglaries in one week. We found one patrol car searching for open garage doors, which is an easy target for criminals.

“They can have that garage burglarized in less than a minute. We want to help the citizens to help themselves and not be victims of these crimes,” said Officer Steve Roth.

Criminals made off with mostly tools and power equipment. And one vehicle was stolen from both areas this week. Police have not released a description of any suspects.

If you have any information, call Crimestoppers at (785) 234-0007.