Ironton police are investigating a rash of garage and outbuilding break-ins that occurred between Thursday and Sunday.

On Friday alone, Ironton police received nine reports of break-ins or attempted break-ins. Of those nine, eight involved garages or outbuildings.

There were at least two others reported Saturday. Most of the break-ins both days were reported in an area between the 2100 and 2500 blocks of South Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets.

In one incident, a resident told police they heard a noise and looked out the window to see someone ride away on a dirt bike taken from their garage. The dirt bike was later found behind the old Alpha Portland Cement Plant on Hog Run Road.

Detective Chris Bowman said it is believed the incidents are related.

“We believe it is more than one person, but we do believe they are connected,” he said.

Bowman said residents should make sure garages and outbuildings are locked at night and said those with entrance doors can secure them further by barricading them from the inside, making entry more difficult, although he said in some cases, locks were being cut to gain entry. Good lighting, including motion sensor lights, can also be helpful, Bowman said.

Anyone with information can call 532-2338.