15 home invasions, 30 incidents of stolen scrap metal, one stolen vehicle and numerous items of stolen jewelry were all part of a months-long investigation that ended with the arrests of nine individuals.

"The driving force behind these crimes was heroin use," Ingham County Sheriff, Gene Wriggelsworth, said.

On Wednesday, police announced the arrests of the nine individuals who had broken into homes and stolen from more than 25 people in the Webberville area. According to police, the robbers would take items like jewelry and then quickly head to a pawn shop for cash.

"They would enter these homes through an unlocked door or unlocked window," Sheriff Wriggelsworth said.

Police are now urging everyone to watch their property more closely.

"Even though you live in a rural community, keep your property secure and keep the doors locked," Sheriff Wriggelsworth added.

"One thing is to know what you have and keep track of your property," Deputy James Cousino, said. "One of the suspects did say that if there was a dog they would avoid the house and if there was an alarm system they would avoid the house."

That's good news for people like Webberville resident Jack Chambers, who lives down the street from a home that was robbed last summer.

"I have some dogs here," Chambers said. "I make sure all my stuff is locked up and don't leave anything sitting out."

Police say knowing exactly what's in your home is important because robbers might not always take larger items like televisions. In some cases, the victims were unaware they had been robbed until Deputies showed them photos of their property.

Investigators are hoping to link the suspects to several other felonies and more arrests. The case was handled by Ingham County Sheriff's Deputies, Meridian Township police, Williamston police and troopers from State Police Post 11.