Douglas County reports increase in thefts from unlocked cars

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is advising the public of an increase in vehicle burglaries in the county recently. There have been several reported cases of suspects getting into unlocked cars, just as there has been in South Lake Tahoe.

In Douglas County the increase began in the last two weeks and have up to this point have occurred in the Gardnerville Ranchos, Gardnerville and Minden. The losses during these car burglaries have been coin change and cell phones but any loss causes emotional and financial damage.

South Lake Tahoe has seen them constantly throughout the winter. At one time they were focused in the "state streets" area of Tahoe Keys as well as Gardner Mountain but no area is immune.

As the temperatures rise, so does the crime rate. It is recommended that everyone lock their residence and vehicles when they leave, or during the evening no matter where they live. Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini will be meeting with his personnel to discuss a strategy to address the problem in the Carson Valley.

The public is also reminded to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 782-5126 when they see something or someone suspicious in your area, or dial 911 for an emergency. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department's phone number is (530)542-6100.

Petty theft from cars is a crime of opportunity, so if that opportunity is removed, the thefts won't occur.