Hundreds of dollars in cash and coins and a laptop computer were stolen from a home on Custer Avenue on Monday afternoon while the homeowners were at work.

Utica police said the homeowner reported the break-in around 3:15 p.m. when he returned home from work and noticed footsteps in the fresh snow leading to the back door.

The back door leading to the basement was open and the three bedrooms upstairs had been rummaged through.

Nearly $700 in cash was stolen from a dresser, a container with about $100 in coins was missing, and a laptop computer was stolen.

The homeowners told police they believe a distant family member may be tied to the crime.

Nearly 10 home invasions and robberies have been reported in Utica since the beginning of the year. Most occurred while the homeowners slept.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Utica Police Department at 586-731- 2345.