Local law enforcement is stressing the importance of locking the doors of your vehicles after a recent uptick in theft from automobiles — in subdivisions and rural areas alike. Officials said it’s an ongoing issue, but it’s one that could easily be avoided.
There’s been a significant enough rise in thefts that the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday posted on Facebook about their recent investigations.
According to the post, thefts have occurred lately on Jack Hinton, Pleasant Valley, Millers Mill, New Bolt, and Boothfield roads as well as Bon Harbor Cove.
“The suspects are targeting rural areas, and have walked down long driveways to get to vehicles,” the post reads. “However, subdivisions are common targets as well. Be vigilant and LOCK YOUR VEHICLES anytime they are unattended. Also do not leave anything of value in your vehicle to include firearms.”
Major Barry Smith, Chief Deputy for the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, said virtually all of the thefts involved unlocked vehicles.
“The big key of what people need to gain out of this while we’re investigating is to lock their cars, no matter where they live,” Smith said. “The only time we work cases where they’ve actually broken into the car is if they see some kind of valuable in there, such as laptop or purse that they know they can get. Otherwise they’re just thefts of opportunity where they go up, check the doors and if they’re unlocked then that gives them access to pilfer around in the car and see what’s in there.”
Owensboro Police Department Public Information Officer Andrew Boggess said they constantly fight the same battle of responding to thefts from unlocked vehicles. He said OPD hasn’t experienced any significant increase, but agreed with the advice of always locking your car.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious can report it to DCSO at 270-685-8444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 270-685-8484.
