The Canyon County Sheriffs Office says in the past two months they've been busy trying to track down those responsible for a rash of thefts and burglaries in their county. Now they're warning residents to keep their eyes open and their property safe so it doesn't happen to you.

"Everybody left their doors open, everybody left their keys in their car, wouldn't be unusual to probably leave your purse in your car," Greenleaf Resident Janie Willden told CBS 2 Eyewitness News.

That's what many neighbors in the small community of Greenleaf use to do until now.

"It's very frustrating for everybody in town. Everybody has been locking up now where nobody ever did before," said Greenleaf store cashier Carlene Stidham.

"You make sure your windows are shut, you have yard lights, you have porch lights on," said Willden.

Since April the Canyon County Sheriffs Office says they're investigating 50 cases of theft and burglary. They say most of the activity is happening throughout the more rural parts of the county like Greenleaf, Wilder, and Marsing.

"Since it's encompassing basically just one quarter of our county it's something we have never seen within our jurisdiction," Canyon County Lieutenant Marv Dashiell told CBS 2 Eyewitness News.

Lieutenant Dashiell says the suspects are hitting these smaller farming communities because there aren't a lot of lights, and often times no one is home. They've stolen cars, ATVs, motorcycles, broken into several homes and the sheriffs office has reason to believe the stealing runs in the family.

"The suspects we are looking at do have relations whether they're brothers, cousins, they do have relations," said Dashiell..

Many in Greenleaf say they still feel safe, now they're just taking some extra time looking out for each other.

"We keep our eyes open about what's happening up and down the street," said Greenleaf Pastor Alan Weinacht.

No arrests been made yet but Lieutenant Dashiell says they have made a fingerprint hit from one of the thefts that happened earlier this week. They are working on getting a warrant and hope to start making some arrests by next week.

If you notice anything or anyone suspicious you are urged to call the Canyon County Dispatch at #454-7531