At least eight homes in northern Jefferson County and Arvada, Colo., were burglarized while the homeowners were asleep inside and officials are worried about the chance of a violent confrontation.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the homes were hit on March 8 and 9 during the evening hours. In each case, the homeowners were home, but asleep.

Investigators said that entry was gained through unlocked rear garage doors or sliding patio doors. The burglar took cash from purses and wallets.

The crimes are similar to eight other burglaries that occurred in late 2003 in the same area, according to police.

Investigators said there is a high potential of risk associated with this type of crime and that a confrontation between a resident and the intruder could become violent or deadly.

Officials want to remind homeowners to secure windows and lock doors, even when they are home.