Residents in St. Paul are being urged by police to be on the lookout after a spate of burglaries in the Mac-Groveland and Summit-University neighborhoods. 

St. Paul police released a word of warning to the public on Friday, saying there have been a rash of burglary reports since May 1, with the crimes being committed by juvenile males posing as door-to-door solicitors. 

"Watch out for each other and call 911 if you see suspicious activity," police say. 

The burglaries have had a similar pattern, with the kids knocking on doors and asking for donations to a fake basketball program.

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If no one answers the door, they walk around the house looking for ways to get in. If they find an entry point, they break in and burglarize the home. 

Police say these kids are between the ages of 11 and 16 and typically strike between noon and 8 p.m. They've also been handing out this flyer: 

Residents are urged to lock their doors, even if going outside and not leaving your property.

You can also call St. Paul's Community Engagement Unit at 651-266-5485 and have your home added to a House Watch program.