OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Olympia police said several burglaries have occurred at businesses using a technique called "lock spinning" since early 2009.

Police said the culprits used common hand tools to remove deadbolt locks and then easily entered the buildings.

The spinning of the lock can be done very quickly and quietly, police said.

Police said businesses in strip malls that have dead bolt locks protruding from glass doors have been targeted by the burglars.

Items taken in the burglaries consisted of cash and items that are easily carried.

Police said businesses could improve security by installing an inexpensive but effective security collar on external deadbolts.

The collar spins to prevent the lock from being grasped with a tool. There are several different companies that make security collars at a minimal cost, police said.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call the Olympia Police Department Detective Division at 360-753-8400 or CrimeStoppers at 360-493-2222.