Police say it can be a life-changing event.
Someone breaks into your house at night when you're asleep.
Homeowners can be so frightened they decide to move.
"There's the fear that the suspects might come back," said Nottawasaga OPP Det. Sgt. Tracey Berdnarczyk.
Nottawasaga OPP are hunting for two suspects who attempted to enter a home in Oro-Medonte on November 12 after gaining entry to the garage.
Police say one suspect was wearing a mask from the movie "Scream" while his accomplice wore something over his face.
The attempted break-in occurred at 1:30 a.m. while the homeowners were sleeping.
It's one of a rash of burglaries in four Barrie-area regions that have police comparing notes and sounding alarms about home security.
Police say three break-ins in Oro-Medonte, Springwater and Huronia West are "similar."
"We're trying to connect all the dots to see if they're linked for all three, possibly more," said Nottawasaga OPP Det. Sgt. Tracey Berdnarczyk.
A fourth burglary in Barrie on November 12 might be part of the same spree when an intruder wearing a Halloween mask entered a home on Little Lake Drive.
The number of home break-ins tends to rise during the holiday season but officers say this year is particularly bad.
Investigators say there are no real boundaries and multiple people could be involved.
The break-in spree prompted the OPP to issue a news release this week titled "Homeowners Beware."
"The big safety message is that it's really important to keep your doors locked," said Berdnarczyk.
One of the common factors of the thefts is that the garage, the house or vehicles have been left unlocked.
"A lot of residents think they're safe when the garage is closed," said Berdnarczyk. "But they leave the garage entry door unlocked. It's an opportunity for suspects to enter the home."
The thefts include vehicles, ATV’s, electronics, personal identification and credit cards, cash, alcohol and other items.
Houses have been hit in Oro-Medonte Township, Barrie City, Penetanguishine and Springwater areas.
Most of the victims were at home at the time and were sleeping when the suspects were in their residence, the garage or their vehicles.
One of the vehicles involved in the spree was recovered in Barrie this week and another was recovered not far from where it was taken.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact their local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
