The Grant County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging residents to lock their vehicles, as various owners have had them stolen or burglarized in recent weeks.

The Fennimore Times reported last week that between Sept. 15 and 17, tools, credit cards, cash, cigarette lighters, bottles of water and more were stolen from vehicles in the Montfort and Livingston areas. In one case, an unlocked car itself was actually stolen (and later recovered). Again on Sept. 21, 50 CDs and a bookbag were taken from an unlocked car in the village of Montfort.

Most of the thefts are occurring during the evening and early morning hours, and theives seem to be targeting vehicles that are left unlocked, according to Sergeant Travis Klaas. Very few signs of forced entry have been found.

“We’ve seen an increase in thefts and the majority are of unlocked vehicles. Storage sheds have also been targeted,” he stated. “Residents need to keep their vehicles locked, and their homes and sheds too. If someone witnesses a theft or any suspicious activity, they should report it. If they can obtain license plate numbers and a description of the people, that can aid in the investigation as well.”

In reporting suspicious activity, contact the sheriff’s department at 723-2157.