Tips from citizens frequently play an important role in solving crimes. This week, there have been several local and area crimes that police are hoping the public can aid in solving.

Burglars forced the rear doors of residences on Shriver Avenue and Pulaski Street Tuesday. In the Shriver Avenue case, a Samsung flat-screen TV and Samsung camcorder were stolen. Copper was stolen in the Pulaski Street entry.

Sometime during the afternoon of Oct. 1, a Cash Valley Road home was broken into. An occupant of the home encountered the suspect and a brief struggle ensued before the suspect drove away. Property valued at $1,200 was taken during the incident.

Sometime last Saturday or Sunday, a burglary took place at Jane Frazier Village in Cumberland. A digital camera, purse and video games were hauled away.

On Sunday, an Acer laptop computer was taken from a residence on Winton Place in Cumberland. Police believe entry was gained through a rear door.

In Garrett County, mailboxes were destroyed in the area of Grantsville Market and Lake Shore Driver and Mayhew Inn Road in the Deep Creek Lake area. A baseball bat was used to damage the mailboxes. The incidents are believed to have occurred Oct. 4 between 2 and 3 a.m.

In at least some of the cases, it is likely someone from the public has information that can assist investigators.

Information about crimes in Cumberland and Allegany County can be reported to Crime Solvers at (301) 722-4300. Callers may remain anonymous and do not have to appear in court. If you have information about the Garrett County mailbox destruction, contact state police at (301) 387-1101 or (301) 895-1101.