The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to secure their vehicles and homes following an increase in break-ins reported across the county.
The Sheriff’s Office said the uptick has continued through the summer and into the fall, with some incidents involving items stolen from unlocked vehicles and others involving vehicles themselves being taken.
In some cases, authorities said vehicles have been stolen after keys were left inside or thieves gained access to keys through an unlocked home.
The Sheriff’s Office is also warning residents that items stolen during a break-in can create additional security risks. Identification, work badges, access cards, garage door openers and other personal information could potentially give someone access to a victim’s workplace, home or other locations.
Residents are being urged to lock doors and windows at home and keep vehicle keys in a secure location. Vehicles should also be locked with windows closed, and valuables and personal information should be removed rather than left visible inside.
At workplaces, gyms and other public locations, the Sheriff’s Office recommends keeping valuables with you or placing them in a secured locker or storage area.
Anyone who discovers property has been stolen should contact their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.
The Sheriff’s Office did not provide a specific number of recent break-ins or identify particular communities where the increase has been concentrated.
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