Cartersville Police Department asks public's help to stem tide of breaking and entering incidents.

Media release: Over the past several weeks, there has been an increased number of breaking and entering into vehicles in the City of Cartersville. Chief Thomas Culpepper stated today that the Police Department is seeking the help of the citizens of Cartersville in this matter.

The Police Department is asking residents to follow these guidelines as a matter of safety precautions:

Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. This would include items such as cellular phones, computers, tablets, laptops, CD players, calculators, packages, loose change or money, jewelry, and anything else that a thief would consider worth taking. Do not leave guns in vehicles.

Make sure your vehicle is locked. The easier it is to gain entry into a vehicle, the more likely it is that something will be taken. Thieves usually try several vehicles until they find one that is unlocked in order to avoid any noise.

As we approach the Christmas shopping period, keep packages locked inside the trunk if at all possible. Again, do not leave valuables visible in the vehicle while the vehicle is parked.

If you see someone suspicious peering into vehicle windows, call 911. Do not attempt to make contact with the individual. Try to get as accurate a description of the subject as possible. The more information the Police Department receives, the more likely the apprehension if there is a theft.

One particular area of interest is the parking lots of gyms and workout centers. Thieves know that people are more likely to leave valuables in the car rather than take them inside and put them in a locker. If you must leave something in the vehicle, lock it in the trunk if possible, or have it out of sight with the vehicle locked..

Chief Culpepper said, "Working together we will be able to apprehend those responsible. The Department continues to follow all leads that we receive. This matter has become a top priority for everyone in the Department."

Anyone with information concerning these incidents is asked to call the Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division at 770-607-5690.