Sikeston police say thieves targeting unlocked cars

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A simple click of the button may be all it takes to deter someone from breaking into a vehicle.

Officers with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety are investigating a rash of thefts from vehicles around the city. During interviews, they've found there is one thing residents can do to keep from becoming a victim: lock their

vehicles.

"These suspects have only targeted unlocked vehicles," Capt. Mark Crocker said. "They will not make the effort or take the effort to break into locked vehicles."

Crocker said most of the thefts, which are not exclusive to any part of town, have occurred between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Arrests have been made and the investigation continues. The theft ring encompasses "a pretty good-size group of individuals," he noted, and quite a bit of property has been

recovered.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the Department of Public Safety at 573-471-6200, or its CrimeStoppers line, 573-471-1500.