Cobb County police are reminding residents to always lock their cars and garage doors after officials noticed an increase in car-related thefts near Smyrna and Mableton.
For the past month, neighborhoods near Maner, Riverview and Oakdale roads have seen more thefts from vehicles — and of entire cars, said an “urgent” alert released by Cobb police on Wednesday.
In more than 90 percent of the thefts, the car was left unlocked, police said. In some cases, the keys were even left inside the car.
Several victims left their garage doors open overnight, which police said led to the thefts.
“Our officers have and are heavily zone patrolling the neighborhoods that have been impacted by the thefts and in several cases have located individuals suspected of the thefts,” Major Jeff Adcock wrote in the alert.
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The affected neighborhoods are located just northwest of Atlanta, near Interstate 285.
Adcock reminded residents to never leave valuables in their car, and to always lock their vehicle, even if parked overnight in their own driveway.
“I have reached out to homeowner associations in order to meet with residents and provide details as to actions we are taking as well as to provide security advice,” he said.
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