Peachtree City has seen an uptick in entering auto cases in recent weeks and is asking motorists to remove valuables from their vehicles and always lock the vehicle when leaving it unattended whether at home or away.
Criminals have been targeting unlocked vehicles and those which have valuables inside in plain view, police said.
Citizens are being asked to be alert to suspicious persons waiting in parking lots and watching where motorists are hiding or placing their valuables, police said.
Any suspicious activity should be reported to 911 immediately.
Residents should be particularly careful not to leave keys inside a vehicle, police said. Police also urge residents to avoid programming a “home” location into a GPS device, as that combined with house keys or a garage door opener can make a home an easy target for a burglary.
In addition to always locking a vehicle, residents also should be sure to keep their windows rolled up also, police said.
Residents also should avoid leaving valuable items such as purses, cellphones, laptops and other electronics inside the car, police said. Criminals often take advantage of opportunities, and all it takes is a quick peek inside a car window for a criminal to pick a valuable item to target, police have said.
Earlier this year, an alert citizen dining at a local restaurant was able to report a thief who entered several cars and took items. The report led to the person’s arrest on multiple charges of entering an automobile.
