JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – During the Spring and Summer months, Jamestown neighborhoods have historically seen an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles.

The Jamestown Police Department is seeing this happen again this year.

Lt. Sid Mann announced in a release taht perpetrators are targeting valuables that are visible from the outside or are easily located inside the vehicle.

“These individuals generally rely on their ability to access a large number of vehicles while circulating through the neighborhood and therefore rarely force entry for fear of making noise and risking detection,” Lt. Mann states. “These incidents typically occur during the overnight hours and are not reported until the next morning when the owner recognizes property missing or out of place.”

Because of this, the Jamestown Police Department is encouraging everyone to lock their vehicles when unattended and to not leave anything of value in vehicles, especially items visible to potential perpetrators.

“Lock your vehicles, remove valuables from view, do not leave any prescription medications in your vehicle, and especially do not leave firearms or other weapons in an unlocked vehicle,” Lt. Mann stated.

As always, you can report any suspicious behavior to the Jamestown Police Department by calling 911 or 701-252-1000. Report any incident where you believe someone entered your vehicle without permission.