During the past month, several communities in the Fox Valley area have seen an increase in thefts and burglaries from vehicles. In an effort to remain proactive in dealing with criminal activity, the Geneva Police Department is urging residents to lock their car doors.

The offenders are entering primarily unlocked cars, taking valuables and even the car itself if keys are left inside. These stolen cars have subsequently been used to commit crimes in other communities. The majority of these incidents are crimes of opportunity and are preventable with assistance from residents.

The Police Department encourages people to report all suspicious activity to authorities immediately. The information may be the key to solving a crime in Geneva.

To make property less of a target for criminals, people should lock their cars and remove valuables (i.e. computers, iPods, purses, keys, etc.) from vehicles at night. Residents also should check that their garage door is closed, windows are secured, and access doors to the garage and home are locked.

Outdoor lighting may act as a deterrent in some cases since many of these car burglaries have occurred at night.

The Geneva Police Department thanks residents for their cooperation in keeping Geneva a safe community.