PITTSFIELD – Concerned about a string of break-ins at local businesses, Pittsfield police are asking residents for help.

Within the last month, there have been burglaries or attempted burglaries at four area businesses, the latest occurring overnight at Pittsfield Rental Center on South Main Street. Burglars kicked in the door and stole a hand truck and a safe.

“They really goofed,” Pittsfield Officer Jason Emery said, “because the safe only contained a few coins and some paperwork.”

Other businesses that have been broken into include C.N. Brown on South Main, A.E. Robinson on Somerset Avenue and Pittsfield Pharmacy on North Main Street.

All of the break-ins have happened when the businesses were closed. Entry was made by kicking in front or side doors. No private residences have been burglarized.

Police are uneasy and said Tuesday that they hope residents will notice if anything seems awry at area businesses.

“No one has reported anything to us,” Chief Steven Emery said Tuesday. “No suspicious activity, no suspicious vehicles.”

None of the robbed businesses had alarms, said Emery. “Whoever is doing this has kicked in the door and then pulled it shut behind them so you can’t notice anything from the cruiser when the businesses are checked in the night,” he said.

Emery is asking people who see unusual activity, noise or lights at any area business after operating hours to contact the Pittsfield Police Department at 487-3101.