OLD TOWN, Maine — Police in Old Town and Brewer are warning locals about an increase in reported vehicle burglaries this month.
Old Town Police said they received numerous calls in the beginning of August about a string of car burglaries through the town.
“Unfortunately, coming from summer months or some nicer weather, you have sort of an uptick in these crimes of opportunity,” Detective Lucas Murphy said.
Murphy said most of the reported break-ins were of easily accessible vehicles parked close to the road and left unlocked.
“It's just an opportunity, and unfortunately there's people who take advantage of that opportunity,” he said.
To prevent vehicle burglary, Murphy said the best thing you can do is lock your vehicle.
The Brewer Police Department said their agency has also seen a rise in reported vehicle burglaries and posted tips on their social media page for protecting your belongings.
“Hide valuables out of sight, park in well-lit areas to deter thieves, stay safe and enjoy your summer,” a video posted to the Brewer Police Department’s Facebook said.
Brewer resident Evangeline White said someone broke into her 19-year-old sister’s car, which was parked right outside her house.
“She left it unlocked that night, I think by accident,” White said.
Nothing was stolen from the car.
White said she is not worried about the recent break-ins. When it comes to theft, she said she looks at the bigger picture.
“I was a homeless teen," White said. "At the time, I didn't have resources to support from family or community support, and I committed theft."
Now a single mom and business owner, White said she has come a long way. She sees theft as a crime of desperation and said things can improve with more support.
“When people have what they need—when they have housing, when they have access to food and medicine and health care—crimes like this disappear,” she said.
If your vehicle is broken into or if you see any suspicious activity, public safety officials encourage people to contact local authorities.
Police also said security and doorbell cameras are a good way to deter thieves and can help with their investigations.