DENVER -- Brazen burglars methodically ransacked eight garages in the Country Club neighborhood early Friday while the owners were asleep.

The thieves stole a $4,500 bicycle, two sets of golf clubs and numerous power tools, according to owners.

That haul was from just three of the garages in an alley on the 400 block between Gilpin and Franklin streets.

"They tried taking a jumping jack, which is a big piece of equipment used for compacting soil," said Nate Russell, a construction project superintendent, who is rebuilding a home on that block. "But the equipment was too heavy to get through the fence, so they left it behind."

One homeowner, who asked not to be identified, told 7NEWS that the thieves kicked in the side door to his garage.

"They ended up stealing a couple sets of golf clubs," the owner said. "We found one of them by our recycle tub, so either it wasn't good enough, or they had to start running."

But golf clubs were the least of that homeowner’s concerns.

"They ended up ransacking our car and took our license and registration cards. So identity theft is a serious concern for us right now," the owner said.

Chip McKeever woke up to find his prize possession, a $4,500 bicycle, missing.

"I was going to use it in the triple-bypass bicycle ride tomorrow in Bergen Park," McKeever said. "Fortunately I have some buddies who were able to provide a loaner."

"It seems to be organized, which is alarming," said one homeowner.

Russell fears the heists may be a sign of the times.

"There are so many people in my business (construction) who are out of work and struggling. Unemployment may be running out for a lot of them... Three or four grand at a pawn shop you know, it'll pay your mortgage," Russell said.

Denver police said it's too early to know who the thieves are or why they targeted the Country Club garages.

Det. Sharon Avendano said most of the residents have taken steps to protect their property, but that more can be done.

"Even if your car is in the garage, if you have an alarm, activate it," Avendano said. "You think it's safe in your garage and that's not always the case."

One homeowner told 7NEWS that he planned to invest in motion activated lighting and cameras.

He said if he had known thieves were targeting the area he would have taken action sooner.

Avendano said that, overall, crime is down in Denver, but one homeowner said police told him that some nearby neighborhoods have seen burglaries of a more aggressive nature.