Police said Wednesday that thieves are taking advantage of opportunities brought forth by hot weather.

Burglars climbed through several open windows to target homes in Hilliard, 10TV' Justin Moss reported.

Joe McAlister said that he left his home for a short time when a thief slipped through an open window.

"I had some jewelry from my first wife, who's deceased, and I'm saving these for my grandkids," McAlister said. "Now they'll never get them, you know? That's kind of hard to take."

McAlister said that the thieves backed a vehicle into his garage and loaded it up with the jewelry, tools and a television. In all, the criminals stole about $4,000 in items, Moss reported.

Police said that thieves targeted several other homes in the area, using open windows as access points each time.

Investigators said that leaving windows opened and unlocked is like leaving a door open.

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