Waterford ― Police are investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred Sunday night into Monday morning.

Police said thieves entered numerous cars in Waterford and neighboring towns, and when spotted by a Waterford police officer, took off in a vehicle police later learned had been reported stolen from the Hamden area.

In Waterford, police said the thieves struck the Ina Boulevard, Doyle Road, Daniels Avenue and Niantic River Road areas. While there were numerous cases of vehicles being entered, police said there are three confirmed cases in which property was stolen from inside a vehicle.

Waterford Police Lt. Patrick Flanagan said investigators have executed a search warrant in connection with the thefts and anticipate a future arrest.

The thefts have been an ongoing issue that has plagued shoreline communities and towns across the state, Flanagan said. Since many of the thefts are from unlocked vehicles, police urge vehicle owners to lock their vehicles and remove any items of value.