LaGrange Police Warn About Rising Car Break-Ins

LAGRANGE, Georgia (WTVM) - The LaGrange Police Department is urging locals to stay vigilant and notify authorities of any unusual behavior after a rise in vehicle break-in cases across the area.

During the last seven days, law enforcement officers dealt with a large volume of incidents where vehicles were illegally accessed, especially in apartment complexes and buildings with multiple living units. In numerous instances, the vehicles were not locked. In other situations, criminals broke into cars by shattering windows, focusing on vehicles that had obvious valuable items inside.

Which actions are the police requesting from residents?

The department is advising locals to follow these safety measures:

Always secure the vehicle's doors, even when it is parked at your residence.
Take out all valuable items, such as guns, electronic devices, and personal belongings.
Do not leave extra keys or key fobs inside cars.
Park in brightly illuminated locations whenever feasible.
Notify authorities immediately of any unusual individuals or behavior.

Working with property management

Residents are also advised to collaborate with property management to verify that sufficient lighting and camera systems are operating correctly.

Law enforcement urged anyone who notices people testing door handles, loitering in parking areas without a clear reason, or acting strangely near cars to report it right away.