Kansas law enforcement agencies warn of car burglary uptick

ST. MARYS (KSNT) - Northeast Kansas law enforcement agencies are warning people to take precautions as a rise in vehicle burglaries are reported.

The St. Marys Police Department issued a warning on social media on Friday, July 5 to residents following increased reports of vehicle burglaries. Police provided some recommendations to ensure vehicles are secure overnight, such as:

• Vehicle doors are locked.
• Garage doors are closed.
• Your home is locked.
• Outside lights are on.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office also reported an increase in car break-ins. The uptick in break-ins also prompted the Wamego Police Department to make a social media post warning residents.

According to the sheriff's office, numerous vehicle burglary reports were made on Tuesday, July 2 in the neighborhoods near Green Valley Drive.

KSNT 27 News spoke to Wamego Police Chief Paul Schliffke about some ways to prevent break-ins from happening.

“First of all, lock your vehicle," Schliffke said. "One of the things that’s very common about any vehicle burglaries, including these have been most of the vehicles have been unlocked. Secondly, don’t leave valuables in sight in your vehicle.”

Schliffke also said you should never leave a firearm in your vehicle. It is dangerous for the officers who respond to the scene and it becomes very hard to track when it is stolen.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office said anyone with information on the burglaries should contact Captain Tyler Garver at 785-457-3355 or leave a tip by clicking here.

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