NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Metro police are looking for a man they believe is breaking into homes. Police said Mark Hale is just one person of interest in a rash of Hermitage break-ins.

Video: Police Have Person Of Interest In Hermitage Break-Ins

"It's the same basic pattern, where they kick the door in, grab quick items, laptops, guns or something like that," said Sgt. John Patton of the Metro Police Department.

"It's kind of surprising. It's always been a quiet, close-knit area," said Mike Walter, who grew up in Hermitage with his mother, who still lives in the area.

He calls her a neighborhood watch hound, but now he said he's concerned for her own safety.

Police said that's happened a few times during the recent break-ins. The crimes have spiked to about five or six times a week. Each time, the burglar is breaking through a window or door and grabs whatever he or she can.

"He's got to be kind of watching the nicer homes here and seeing who's coming and going, so that'll be probably his downfall," Patton said.

Walter said now that police have one man in mind, neighbors are on the lookout.

Police said there are a couple clues to look for to help them find criminals.

"(Look for) somebody you see in the area that hasn't been there before if they're walking around, looking around, just those kinds of things," said Patton.

Police said Hale is also wanted for car and home burglaries in Mount Juliet, which is where he lives.