CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Police are investigating a series of home break-ins over the July 4th holiday.

• Eight break-ins were reported in Chapel Hill over the 4th of July holiday.
• Thieves took mostly jewelry and small electronics.
• Police advise making it looks like you're home when you're away. 

Eight cases were reported between July 2 and July 5. The homes centered around the U.S. Highway 15-501 corridor.

The thief or thieves didn't take any big ticket items but smaller items like jewelry and electronics. They still totaled nearly $9,000 in value.

“Money that was laying around, even coins,” says Ran Northam, spokesperson with the Chapel Hill Police Department.

One victim was Victor Tse. He was at work when police called him to say someone broke into his house and took a roll of quarters.

“And they break our screen and then cracked open our porch door and then came right in,” he says.

Police say break-ins sometimes spike during the holidays when homeowners are away. They advise people to make it look like they're still at home.

“Making sure your lawn is maintained. Making sure lights are on timers so it looks like someone is home,” says Northam.

Northam says police also offer home checks for residents who are away.