The Columbia Police Department is currently investigating two residential burglaries that occurred this month in Columbia. The first one occurred Dec. 4 in the 2600 block of Brookfield Court, when an unknown person made entry into a residence by breaking out the glass on the back door. The second residential burglary occurred Monday in the 400 block of Brellinger, when an unknown person made entry into the house by breaking out the glass on the back door.

A variety of items were stolen from both residences, police said.

“Unfortunately, these types of crimes increase during the holiday season. The members of the Columbia Police Department ask that you pay close attention to your neighborhood and report anything suspicious to the police immediately,” Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards said. “If you were in either one of the two areas on the dates the crimes were committed and noticed anything suspicious, please contact the police department immediately. We are asking for the public’s assistance with both cases.”

The phone number for the police department is 281-5151.