CHOCOWINITY — Homeowners on Old Blounts Creek Road in Chocowinity got an unwelcome surprise this week when they found they were the victims of break-ins.

The crimes happened on Wednesday. Two neighboring homes on the 100 block of Old Blounts Creek Road were broken into, with the perpetrators walking away with various items from each home, according to law enforcement officials.

No one was home at either residence when the break-ins occurred.

From the first home, a television, laptop, small safe containing personal documents and a lot of saved loose change were taken, in addition to the homeowner’s four handguns. Thieves took a fifth handgun from the second home.

According to law enforcement officials, these types of thefts are the primary way that firearms end up in the hands of criminals.

What’s unusual about these break-ins is they occurred in the middle of the day — around noon, according to Major Kenneth Watson, spokesman for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Daytime break-ins happen far more frequently than most people would think, Watson said.

“I think it would be wrong for people to think that most break-ins happen at night,” Watson said. “Many people would be surprised at how many property crimes happen during the day. … Crimes can be occurring at any time.”

Watson said that’s the reason why people should always call law enforcement anytime they see someone out of place, or acting in a suspicious manner. For example, people driving slowly down streets, making multiple passes by homes and businesses, or people randomly knocking on doors.

“Anytime you see someone or something suspicious — If it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not,” Watson said. “And we would encourage people to call the sheriff’s office as early and often as possible.”

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to contact Beaufort County Crime Stoppers by phone, text or through their website. Call 252-974-6400; text a tip anonymously by dialing 274637 on a cellphone and in the body of the message, type BCSO131 and the tip; or submit a tip through the Crime Stoppers website, www.beaufortcountycrimestoppers.com, by following the “Tip Line” link and filling out an online form. Calls, texts and emails are anonymous. Tipsters do not have to give their name.