BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. — Tucked away in the Moss Creek community just north of Highway 150, the Miller House has long been a place of relaxation and camaraderie for the neighborhood’s 50 homeowners.

Police reports show the break-ins from the period of Jan. 13-Jan. 25 were concentrated in a handful of neighborhoods, including Moss Creek Plantation, Dillon Road and the Woodlake area on northern ...