Crime Spree

I'm wondering whether people feel that the recent break-ins and attempted break-ins that have been reported on the listserv this week and earlier this fall and summer represent a new level of burglary/crime in Indian Spring or whether this is not really new either in the nature of the crimes or the level of activity? We've lived here 8 years and I don't remember there being quite this many incidents (I know there was a spate of burglaries 3 years ago).  I talked to the community outreach officer at the Silver Spring police district today, and she said that break-ins are common during the lead-up to the holidays, and that residents should take the normal precautions (some crimefighting tips are available at www.iscaonline.com).  I also asked her if the patrols in our neighborhood could be stepped up, because I rarely see police cruisers driving around here with the exception of the officers who live in the neighborhood.  Is there anything else we feel should/could be done?