Unlocked Cars Are Easy Targets for Thieves

Updated: 4:40 p.m.

Over the last several weeks there have been numerous and the is no exception.

Most recently on July 21, a resident of Muscat Court discovered that someone had broken into his 2000 Jeep Cherokee during the night and a backpack with new text books and an i-Pod, valued at $420 were stolen. The sport utility vehicle had been left unlocked, Police Chief Lee O'Dillon said.

O'Dillon said he notices a slight uptick in car break-ins during the warmer months, and the city has been averaging about one report a week.  As of July 26, there had been four incidents reported for the month, including the one on Muscat Court. The others occurred at the Luxury Inn on South Main Street, Southland Drive in the Bishop's Vineyard subdivision and on Christian Terrace in the Christian Lake subdivision, he reported. The common thread: unlocked vehicles.

"Every one that we've had recently, none have been forced entries," he said. "I don't know if there are some local hoodlums or what but (an unlocked car) presents an opportunity and (thieves) are taking advantage."

Echoing the advice from the Oconee County Sheriff's Office last week, O'Dillon said the easiest way to protect yourself is to remember to lock your car.

"I think people tend to get careless, especially this time of year," he said. "They come home from ball practice or the pool late and they aren't thinking about security."

Authorities have urged residents to never leave anything of value inside their car.

Chief Deputy Lee Weems of the used social media to post this warning earlier in the month:

"Please, please lock your vehicles and remove valuables from them. We have had several instances of someone going through neighborhoods during the night and rummaging through unsecured vehicles and stealing items. We have also had an instance of a window getting busted out to get an item. Please do not hesitate to call 911 if you see unusual activity in your neighborhood."