Police see spike in thefts from locked vehicles

Columbus police are warning you to take you valuables inside, instead of leaving them in a vehicle. That comes after a recent series of thefts from vehicles.

Since March 1st, there have been 47 reported thefts from vehicles in Columbus and Bartholomew County. Police say that this is different than previous spikes in thefts because in half of these cases, the thieves have forced entry into the vehicles, causing damage to get at the valuables inside.

Normally, about 95 percent of thefts from vehicles involve unlocked doors. Three of the recent cases have involved firearms taken from the vehicles.

Police ask that if you see anything suspicious, that you alert officers.