Cheyenne police are investigating 72 reports of car burglaries that have occurred so far this year.

"About 22 of those have taken place over the last month," said Officer Kevin Malatesta. "It's not a growing trend, but it's just something that 72 is too high, 22 is too high, having five of them is too high."

Malatesta says most car burglaries are the result of someone taking advantage of an unlocked car.

"I think folks would be surprised how many vehicle burglaries we respond to where a gun or a firearm was left in the vehicle and the vehicle was left unlocked," said Malatesta. "We also find it quite frequently where valuable work equipment was left in the vehicle."

"This is a preventable crime," he added. "It's as simple as just locking the door."

Malatesta urges anyone with information about a particular car burglary to call Crime Stoppers Silent Witness at (307) 638-TIPS. Callers will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

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