A word to the wise is to never leave a vehicle unlocked and never leave valuables in plain sight. Doing so could prove costly.
The recent experiences of several south Fayette County residents make the case for members of law enforcement who, for years, have urged motorists, whether at home or in the community, to never leave a vehicle unlocked and never leave valuables where they can be seen and stolen.
One of the cases was reported on Aug. 27 at a residence near Lake Horton, where a 2012 Hyundai Genesis was stolen. The owner reported that the car was unlocked and the keys were in the car, said Sheriff Barry Babb.
A second vehicle in the neighborhood was reported entered on Aug. 27. The unlocked vehicle had a wallet stolen, Babb said.
Four other vehicles were reported being entered on Aug. 26 in the area of Antioch Road and none of the vehicles were locked.
Home video of one of the entering auto incidents showed a light-skinned black male carrying a handgun walking in the driveway. the man checked three vehicles. pulling on the door handles of each. The last vehicle checked was unlocked, form which the man removed a backpack, checkbook and miscellaneous items, said Babb.
Items stolen from the remaining three vehicles included a backpack and computer, an iPad, a flashlight and loose change, Babb said.
A final entering auto in unincorporated Fayette was reported on Aug. 27 at a residence near New Hope Road. Stolen from the unlocked vehicle was a .45-caliber handgun and $500 in cash, Babb said.
In Fayetteville, there was an Aug. 23 indecent exposure incident at the Banks Station retail area on Ga. Highway 85 North.
Fayetteville Police Department spokesman Jeff Harris said two women walking in the area reported that a male in his 20s pulled his vehicle next to them and asked for directions. The man exposed himself from inside his vehicle.
There have also been four recent entering auto incidents in the city. One of those came at the McDonald’s restaurant on Hwy. 85 South on Aug. 27. The lock had been punched and a purse and miscellaneous items stolen, Harris said.
A second incident occurred on Aug. 29 when a vehicle on Pavilion Parkway had a lock punched and three iPhones and cash stolen, said Harris.
There were two entering autos at businesses on Ga. Highway 54 East. A wallet was stolen from one vehicle after entry was gained through a rear window. The other vehicle had a rear passenger window busted and a car radio stolen, said Harris.
