With an uptick in vehicle thefts in Jefferson County this month, Sheriff Dave Marshak urges local residents to lock their vehicles.
As of May 23, the Sheriff’s Office had received 32 reports about vehicles stolen during the month, Marshak said.
During the same period in February, 27 vehicles were reported stolen. Fifteen vehicles were reported stolen during that time frame in March, and 23 were reported stolen in that period in April, Sgt. Matthew Moore said.
Of the 32 vehicles reported stolen so far this month, 25 are believed to have been stolen by someone the victim did not know, Marshak said.
In many cases, Marshak said, vehicle theft is preventable by locking vehicles.
In 72 percent of the vehicle thefts with an unknown suspect, the vehicles were left unlocked with the key inside, he reported.
Marshak advises citizens to lock their vehicles, store their keys in a safe location and never leave a vehicle running unattended.
To report information regarding a vehicle theft, call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 636-797-5515.