Area police departments are seeing an increase in vehicle theft

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Police departments all over are seeing an increase in car thefts and break ins lately.

Mccracken county police department saw a string of car thefts that resulted in the arrest of two minors a week and a half ago, Cape County sheriff’s office is advising citizens to lock up their vehicles, and cape police department is seeing multiple car break ins a week.

Cape Girardeau police departments public information’s officer Bobby Newton who gives advice to citizens on car theft prevention.

“During the summer months we have an increase in car break ins throughout the neighborhood areas. Its typically people that are walking down the streets and pulling on door handles and they find one that’s unlocked, and they go in and steal whatever items are available.” 

Newton says always lock your vehicle and take anything valuable inside your house with you at night. Especially things that can be seen by looking through your car window.  

“Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle at all, that goes back to the purses just take them in with you. Sometimes it can be a hassle but it’s easier to do that then to have to track down all of your stolen items make a report and all that and also make sure you’re taking your firearms out of vehicles it’s not uncommon for us to have thefts of firearms from vehicles that were left unlocked.” 

If you have a garage newton advises to keep it locked and the entry from your garage to your house locked as well. 

 “If you are at your house and you get up at three o clock in the morning to get a drink of water and you see someone walking down the street that’s not normal contact us and let us know ‘hey we’ve got somebody walking out neighborhood.’ Park your car in a well-lit area and if you don’t have lighting make sure you get some lighting installed. ” 

If your vehicle does get broken into, you should call your area police department immediately and make a report.