Homeowners in two of Jacksonville's most desirable neighborhoods have seen a recent rash of burglaries, leaving residents on edge.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there have been 40 burglaries or robberies in the Riverside and Avondale areas, where the average home price is more than $200,000.

Many people bought their homes in the neighborhood for the good schools and low crime rate. However, after her home was broken into, Laurie Nash said she is concerned.

"I heard a big pop and I knew my kitchen door had come down and these two men were in the house," she said.

Nash said the robbers got spooked and ran from the house before they could take much, however they did manage to steal a gold pocket watch that's been in her family for generations.

Police haven't found the men responsible, but told Nash they know their drill well—so does Channel 4 Crime Expert Ken Jefferson.

"They're on your property, they are talking loud. They are trying to see if there is someone in the house or if there is a dog that's going to come running," Jefferson said.

In the area, 12 break-ins happened in Avondale and nine were in Riverside. Sixteen of those happened before noon. More disconcerting, Nash said, is the fact that not one of the cases has been cleared.

"I guess given the economy, given the holidays and evidently my place was too easy to get in that day, so we made some changes and I feel safer now," Nash said.

Jefferson warns homeowners to keep their doors locked and if you don't have an alarm system, get one; don't wait to call the police. Also, he says don't be afraid to defend yourself—if you are in your own home, you have the right.