Police: Vehicle break-ins on the rise

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By Lynda Figueredo

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Police say vehicle break-ins are on the rise but there are things you can do to help protect your car.

Savannah-Chatham police say they've seen a slight increase in break-ins since the start of the year, adding that 35 percent of the vehicles broken into were left unlocked.

Police are taking preventative measures by patrolling neighborhoods to help make sure people are putting their valuable items out of site.

Authorities say the robbers are looking for opportunities to steal items such as purses, laptops or GPS systems.

"Some crews of criminals are going around and cruising various neighborhoods. They are just making a crime of opportunity because they see the GPS in the windshield. When you get out of the car remove the GPS and certainly take handbag, laptops, those types of things out of your car," said Veda Lamar Nichols with SCMPD.

Car break-ins can happen anywhere at any time and that's why police say everyone needs to take steps to protect their vehicle.

"People get complacent. It's never happened here before, it's not going to happen to us. I know my neighbors, there's nobody lurking on the streets at night and that's exactly the areas that eventually are gonna get hit," said Garden City police chief David Lyons.

Police say there are ways you can curve criminals from breaking into your car:

If you step out of the car, always lock your doors.
Never leave your car running if you're not inside.
Do not leave any valuables in plain sight.
Try to park in well lit areas.

If you do see someone breaking into a vehicle in your area, make sure you call police or CrimeStoppers at 912.234.2020.