The New Canaan Police Department, file photo.

NEW CANAAN — Police are investigating a home burglary that was reported Monday afternoon on White Oak Shade Road.

New Canaan police said the resident arrived home around 5:35 p.m. and found a rear patio door broken and handbags and jewelry were taken, police said in a statement Tuesday.

Police said the home had an active alarm system, but the rear patio door was not connected to the system.

The case closely matches several other recent home burglaries in New Canaan in which patio doors were smashed open to gain entrance. Last November, police reported five burglaries over the prior six weeks where a rear glass patio door was broken.

Police said this week’s burglary is under investigation, and are asking anyone who may have information regarding the crime to speak with investigators.

Police shared these tips to help avoid a burglary:

Be wary of unknown visitors: Unsolicited offers to perform work like driveway or chimney repairs may be a ruse to allow someone to commit a crime. Police recommend confirming the person’s employment before allowing them inside.

Know your neighbors: Police advise watching out for neighbors and report anything suspicious to police.

Be discreet about going away: Cancel newspaper deliveries, have someone pick up your mail, and don’t leave a message on your answering machine telling people you’re away, police warn. Police say to also avoid posting on social media that you’re away from home. They said thieves will monitor those to see when people are away.

Don’t let landscaping give burglars a place to hide: Hedges, bushes and other plants should be trimmed away from the front of the home to keep from giving criminals a place to work behind, police said.

Don’t leave a “hidden” key: Burglars know where to look for them, police cautioned.

Lights: Set up lights for the perimeter of your home with low-energy lighting and automatic switches, police recommended.

Lock up: Lock your doors and windows before leaving home, police advised.

Mark your valuables: Police suggested using permanent marker or an ultra-violet pen to mark your items with a unique numbers.

Neighborhood watch: Police said to work with neighbors to reduce the risk of burglary.

Security survey: An officer can come to your home or business and look for any ways to improve security.

Cameras: Police said to consider installing a home security camera that covers the outside of your home.

Alarms: Police advised activating alarm systems — even if you’re at home — and whenever you leave. Police noted many successful burglaries involved homes that have alarm systems, but weren’t activated when the theft occurred.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact New Canaan police at 203-594-3522.

Peter Yankowski is a breaking news reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media. He previously reported for the Danbury News-Times and, before that, the Ridgefield Press.