A new report from the Cheyenne Police Department says auto burglaries are up by 29% this year compared to the same time in 2013.

While crimes such as vehicle vandalism and rape are down by 54% and  52% respectively, Police Chief Brian Kozak says auto burglaries are the big exception to the overall downward trend in crime.

Kozak says the burglaries tend to be crimes of opportunity, with thieves targeting unlocked cars, especially if they have valuables such as computers or guns in plain sight. Firearms are an especially prized target, and the chief says over half of the firearm thefts reported in the city have been taken from unlocked cars.

Kozak says you should always lock your car and remove valuables from the vehicle and especially from plain sight. Kozak says parking in a garage if possible is a good idea. If you don't have a garage you should try to park in a well-lighted area.

Kozak is also asking people to immediately call police if they see any suspicious behavior, such as someone checking parked vehicles on a street to see if they are locked.

 

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