Police are searching for a serial burglar hitting homes in Amityville with reckless abandon.

Authorities say 12 homes have been robbed since the end of May, with the thief usually entering through an unlocked door and stealing cash, wallets and pocketbooks. According to police, the suspect has also used a ladder to gain access to open second-floor windows on several occasions. Officials say some residents have been home at the time of the break-ins, but in each case the intruder was unseen.

Police urge all residents to be vigilant and to lock all doors and windows. Anyone with information is asked to call Suffolk Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.