LaSalle police are warning residents to ensure their vehicles are locked after a series of overnight thefts.
The service received reports of at least five vehicles that were broken into Sunday evening into Monday morning in the area of Jewel Street and Tyler Road, just off Front Road. According to Senior Constable Terry Seguin, one of the vehicles had a window broken for access.
"This is unusual as thieves generally move on to another easier target that will not bring attention to their presence," said Seguin in a media release.
In at least three of the break-ins, cash and wallets were taken. Investigators say a total of $120 was stolen from vehicles in that area alone.
Police are using this incident to stress to residents that vehicles should be locked with all items of value either put out of sight or taken with you.
"Thieves will perform 'car-hopping,' a process of stealing valuables from multiple vehicles in the same area, quickly moving from one vehicle to another," said Seguin. "Thieves look for accessible marks, such as cars with unlocked doors or convertibles with the top down. Once valuables are stolen, they are quickly pawned off or sold."
Other tips include removing anything from your vehicle that has your name, address, or phone number on it, since a thief may use that information to scope out your home next or steal your identity. Also, don't hide the spare keys inside or around your vehicle, refrain from parking in isolated or dimly-lit areas, and if you see anyone who appears to look inside vehicles or try door handles to get in, call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information on the overnight break-ins or has surveillance video that may help identify a suspect, is asked to call LaSalle Police at (519) 969-5210.
