Lock Up or Pay Dearly

Dothan Police say criminals have been targeting homes and cars in a rash of burglaries that has occurred lately. The break-in's started to increase in October.  That's when officers discovered an eight member theft ring that struck several neighborhoods.  Six adults and two juveniles were charged with 29 counts of breaking and entering a vehicle, 10 counts of burglary and two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card.

Officers said they arrested others in a string of break-ins, ten of which occurred in a single day. Additionally, they responded to a residential burglary less than a week ago in the 1000 block of Southland Drive which resulted in the arrest of three other people.

The department's public information officer claims many of those thefts could be avoided. Sgt. Rachel David cites statistics that indicate at least half of burglaries occur when doors are left unlocked.  "It's not uncommon for the police department to respond to two or three break-ins in a neighborhood where numerous cars that were locked and secured weren't tampered with and have been skipped," she said.

David said locking doors deters burglars but other precautions can further protect people from crime. You should never leave your purse, wallet, or other valuables in open view. She said never leave a spare key with your car.