Due to a rash of break-ins to unlocked vehicles, Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese is encouraging citizens to lock their cars when leaving them unattended.

“Lock your vehicle doors whether at home, parked on the streets or in a shopping center,” he said.

“Most of the time, the best theft deterrent is just locking the door. If a criminal has to break the glass, chances are they will make noise and attract attention.”

Reese said criminals look for easy prey, and when they find an unlocked vehicle, it doesn’t get much easier for them.

“The person or persons didn’t force themselves into the vehicles since they were unlocked, but we’re continuing to investigate and have increased patrols in the residential areas,” Reese said.

“The suspect most likely checked more vehicles than were broken into, but moved on when finding locked vehicles.”