Local police gearing up for thieves after an increase in car burglaries

‘Tis the season of giving, and for some, it is also the season of taking. It is no secret thieves loves this time of year.

After an increase in car burglaries in Bonneville County, the sheriff’s office is gearing up for holiday thieves.

“We’ve had almost 40 vehicle burglaries of some type,” Sergeant Brian Lovell said.

Beyond that, Sergeant Lovell said they have had a dozen or more cars broken into, but nothing was reported taken.

It is typical, as we get closer to the holidays, he said.

“Our commercial areas and shopping areas and even our neighborhoods get busier with people visiting out of town and shopping for the holidays,” Sergeant Lovell said.

If you are making multiple trips to different retail stores, remember three things:

Stash before you park; not after. Be sure to park in well-lit areas. Make sure your windows and cars are locked. Even if you are going to be gone for just a few minutes. Thieves are always watching.

It is also wise to park in areas that are under 24-hour surveillance; that way, if you do fall victim, you will be able to catch the thief red-handed.

“Especially in these congested areas, watch their, watch their purses and wallets and their shopping carts. When their putting valuables and things in their cars, try and get them secured in the trunk and out of sight,” Sgt. Lovell said.

The sheriff’s office plans on putting extra patrols in the areas that have been affected the most or are potential targets by thieves, Sergeant Lovell said.

“One of the biggest helps to us is the neighborhoods that are watching out for each other or neighborhood watch groups. A lot of them have social media pages that they talk to each other on,” Sergeant Lovell said.

Sergeant Lovell said the sheriff’s office is also working on recent tips to the Crime Stoppers hotline: 208-522-1983.