The Sheriff's Office has recently noticed an increase in larcenies from vehicles throughout the county. Many times these types of thefts are crimes of convenience where the individual or individuals stealing items from the vehicles will travel through a neighborhood looking for unlocked vehicles. Other times these thefts occur during daylight hours in retail parking lots. Once the unlocked vehicle is located the criminal will steal any item of value that is easily obtainable. While unlocked vehicles are the primary target, those determined to steal will look into a locked car if they see items such as cash, GPS devices, computers or cell phones and break into the car and steal the items.

Here are a few measures you can take to help reduce this type of crime.

1. Be sure to lock your car at all times.
2. Make every effort to take all valuables out of the car. That includes money, wallets, computers, GPS devices, iPods,
cameras, etc.
3. If you have a garage, and it is possible, park your vehicle in the garage and then lock the garage.
4. If your vehicle cannot be parked in a garage, make every effort to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.