Burglars have struck again at Lansford businesses and homes, this time on Ridge and Water streets, and police are asking residents to help them keep the town safe by reporting suspicious activity.

Fred Johnson's paint store, at 31 W. Ridge St., was entered by burglars who smashed the window panel on the front door. The burglary was discovered at about 9 a.m. Saturday morning. The actor(s) apparently spent quite a lot of time inside, rummaging through the store and stealing cash and change.Porvaznik's Flowers, at 42 W. Ridge St. was entered by burglars who smashed a side window. They took $600 cash.Emil's Barbershop, 4 E. Ridge St. had also been entered. The owner's brother spotted someone inside the shop. A male wearing a black hoodie ran out the front door and fled. There were some residents in the vicinity who heard glass breaking, but did not call police.A break-in was reported at 46 E. Water St. The homeowner, Paul Kadlecik reported that between 2:30 p.m. and midnight Tuesday, somebody entered his house through a basement window. The burglar(s) had pried open an outer basement window, cut the screen and manipulated the lock. They had removed a single pane of glass, which remains missing. The burglar(s) stole a loaded .357 Ruger, a safe-deposit box and an 6- to 8-inch Winchester hunting knife, Officer Chris Ondrus said.Looking around, Kadlecik noticed a neighboring house had an outer window pane pried from a basement window. However, a pipe blocked the window from opening fully, so the burglars were unable to enter."We need residents' cooperation on this," Ondrus said. "If you see or hear anything suspicious, call 911. (Police Chief John Turcmanovich) has stepped up patrols. Our residents' safety is paramount, so we're doing everything we can, but we need residents' help."