PILOT MOUNTAIN — Officers with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office are still working to solve a string of break-ins that began in February and continue to take place near the Longhill end of Ararat Road.

Sheriff Graham Atkinson said most of the break-ins have fit the same pattern — suspects kicking in doors and running in to grab items such as jewelry, coins, guns and laptops. The value of the total property stolen from each home ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Officers estimate there were four break-ins in the area in February, two in March, four in April, and an attempted break-in Tuesday. The incident this weekend involved a suspect trying to break a window in a residence, but the suspect was scared off by a neighbor. Officers brought the K-9 team to the area, but no suspects were found. There have also been a few break-ins nearby on Old Highway 52 and Ararat-Longhill Road.

“We have some suspects in mind and we’ve been watching them really closely,” Atkinson remarked.

He believes the robbers are a small group restricted to this area. He said each of the suspects are somehow connected.

Sheriff’s deputies have been in the community working to solve the crime. Through investigations and traffic stops, Atkinson said officers have made a string of charges not related to the break-ins ranging from traffic violations to drug possession to concealed weapons.

“These have come from being real vigilant,” said Atkinson.

The sheriff said it often takes quite a while to solve a string of break-ins. Although the officers have suspects, they haven’t found enough evidence yet to have the suspects convicted. He said his office continues to work hard on the case.

“We are working on it every single day,” Atkinson assured. “We’re going to keep working on it until it gets solved.”

Atkinson said “if there is such a thing” as a bright side to the incidents, it’s that the community has been working together to solve the crimes.

“The community has come together and worked with us really, really well,” said Atkinson. “That’s been a very refreshing experience for us.”

The sheriff said in his years of working for the sheriff’s office, he has not worked with another community that has been so appreciative of the office’s efforts. He said people frequently stop officers to offer their appreciation and support.

“It’s been really good for us as far as relationships with the community,” Atkinson remarked.

But the officers hope to solve the rash of crimes soon so their presence is not needed so heavily in the area. Atkinson said anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of someone connected to the crimes may be eligible for a reward. Anyone with information is urged to call the Surry County Sheriff’s Office at 401-8900.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.