Stafford Township Police are urging residents of Ocean Acres to report any suspicious activity they observe and to lock their vehicles.

The department is continuing an investigation into a spate of car burgalries -- 38 documented incidents -- that have occured on 24 Ocean Acres streets since May 17.

Police said only unlocked vehicles have been entered into, with the incidents taking place overnight. Money, electronics and cigarettes were stolen, said Lieutenant Thomas Dellane of the Stafford Township Police.

"This was a huge increase, as we normally only experience one or two car burglaries per month," Dellane said.

More than two months ago, Barnegat Township also experienced a series of car burglaries of unlocked cars in Ocean Acres, though on a smaller scale. 

The following streets In Manahawkin were affected: Anchor Avenue, Crest Avenue, Steamer Avenue, Float Avenue, Mermaid Drive, Treasure Avenue, Windlass Avenue, Lighthouse Drive, Whispering Oak Lane and Whispering Oak Circle, Bowsprit Road, Marlin Road, Wave Road and Nautilus Drive.

The investigation is continuing, Dellane said.