MADISON, Wis. -- The Dane County Sheriff's Department said that burglars are targeting homeowners who are at events advertised in the newspaper.

The Dane County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday that it is investigating five such residential burglaries throughout Dane County in the past month.

Investigators said the most recent case occurred on Saturday in the town on Montrose, which is west of Oregon and north of Belleville.

Residents arrived home after a family anniversary party to find their patio door smashed in and many of their valuables gone, authorities said.

The Sheriff's Department said there are things people can do to protect themselves.

"Watch out for your neighbors; tell them if you're going to be gone. And we also want you to take stock of your valuables -- write down the serial numbers and put them in a safe, secure spot if you can," said Elise Schaffer, of the Dane County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities said that in the previous four incidents, the victims were attending a funeral when the burglaries took place.

All the break-ins occurred between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., and authorities said the burglaries took items valued at high dollar amounts.

Anyone with information can call the Dane County Tip Line at 608-284-6900.