Nesquehoning police are investigating two burglaries and attempted burglary that happened within the borough over the past week.

The first burglary was reported on Wednesday and occurred at the Panther Valley Elementary School.

Police Chief Sean Smith said someone gained entry through a window in the rear of the school and stole a laptop.

The second burglary was reported on Thursday at 1116 E. Catawissa St., which is currently vacant and up for sale.

Smith said someone broke the front doorknob and was able to breach the Realtor lock. They then went down to the basement, ripped out the ceiling and cut all the copper piping out of the home before leaving.

“That’s what they’re doing,” Smith said. “They are looking for houses for sale, smashing the Realtor locks and then go in and cut the copper out of the house and leave because there is nothing else there.”

The third incident, also reported on Thursday, was an attempted burglary in the Hauto Valley Estates section of the borough.

Sometime between Nov. 27 and Thursday, someone tried to smash the doorknob and gain entry to a home for sale at 110 Stock St. but were unsuccessful.

The three cases are still under investigation and are being handled by the borough’s detective with state police assisting.

Smith issued a warning for anyone who has a home up for sale, as well as Realtors who have listings in the borough, to be careful, use caution when going to the homes but also to check on them periodically.