SEQUIM — A rash of daytime burglaries has spread across the Sequim area.

About 20 burglaries have occurred during daylight hours in secluded neighborhoods in the past two months, Clallam County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Lyman Moores said Friday.

“This is unusual, to get this many in the daytime,” he said.

“We suspect the person is going up and knocking on doors . . . in places out in the county that are somewhat isolated,” such as Atterberry Road and Lost Mountain Road west of Sequim and Port Williams Road northeast of town.

When no one answers the door, the burglar, or burglars, force a way in, Moores said, “and they seem to be selective about what they want.”

Thieves have stolen flat-screen televisions, laptop computers, narcotic medications, jewelry and handguns, he said.

Moores advised county residents to be watchful for suspicious vehicles and people coming into their neighborhoods and knocking on doors.

“Don’t place yourself in harm’s way, [but] get a license plate number,” by writing it down or snapping a photograph, Moores said, “or get a description of the person,” and report it to police.

People who observe unusual behavior outside the Sequim city limit, or who have information regarding recent burglaries, should call Clallam County Sheriff’s Detective Stacy Sampson at 360-417-2576.

Inside the city, phone the Sequim Police Department at 360-683-7227.

“If you see something in progress,” Moores added, “call 9-1-1.”

Moores also urged residents to join or start neighborhood watches.

For information on how to establish such a group, phone Al Camin or Jennifer Roggenbuck at the Clallam County  Sheriff’s Department’s community policing unit at 360-417-2376.