Lock your vehicle’s doors and shut your garage door so you’ll be a step ahead of thieves. That’s the message local police officers want you to remember.

Last week, in the early hours of Oct. 12, a number of unlocked vehicles, including some in partially open garages, were burglarized throughout the city.

As of the afternoon of Oct. 12, Farmersville police had received 13 burglary of motor vehicle reports.

The increased number of incidents was not contained to Farmersville alone. Princeton police reported over 45 motor vehicle burglaries in the past several days and Rockwall County and the city of Melissa added to the increase in these types of reports.

Farmersville Detective John Williams included a post on the department’s social media asking residents to report any suspicious activity and share video evidence if they were able to do so.

He also offered a simple message to the community.

“We want to encourage our residents to please lock your vehicles, garages, or anything that is susceptible to theft on your property,” Williams said.

Like Farmersville, nearby community police departments reported that most of the vehicles that were ‘hit’ were unlocked.

Farmersville Police Chief Michael Sullivan said they were in contact with the neighboring departments and were following leads as they were made available.

“We are continuing to investigate all tips and leads, including those from other law enforcement departments,” he added.

If you have information to share about these burglaries or other suspected activity, Farmersville PD is asking you to notify Detective Williams at 972.782.6141