Yet again, Bulloch County residents were targeted as suspects broke into vehicles in the early morning hours.
    Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson said investigators responded Sunday morning to several calls about automobile break-ins at Parkway Place and Country Club Hills subdivisions.
    The rash of break-ins included two vehicle thefts, and Anderson said he is sure the incidents are linked to similar cases last week in the Glen Oaks subdivision area.
    The recent reports follow several cases investigators have been pursuing since summer. The offenders apparently steal cars as well as items from vehicles, drive the stolen vehicles to another city, leave the stolen vehicle and steal another before heading to yet another location, sheriff’s Investigator Jared Akins said.
    The vehicles stolen Sunday have been recovered, and Anderson said citizen involvement is necessary stem the tide of vehicle break-ins and thefts.
    “Most of the vehicles (targeted) were unlocked with the keys left in them,” he said. “During the timeframe of the thefts, deputies were in both areas investigating other incidents.”
    People should take precautions to prevent thefts, he said. No matter what, always lock your vehicle and secure valuables.
    “Entering auto
(incidents) occur quickly, as evidenced by one victim who was up (during the time of the thefts) and only left his vehicle unattended fora few minutes before returning and finding it entered,” Anderson said.
    The sheriff suggests taking valuables from the vehicle, locking all doors and reporting any suspicious vehicle “parked where it should not be” or suspicious persons.
    “Citizens should further be aware of any unusual noises, barking dogs, dome lights on in vehicles, or other suspicious circumstances which indicate someone is walking through their neighborhood,” he said. “All suspicious activity will be investigated by a deputy, and citizens should feel free to call in with their concerns.”
    Even the simplest tip could lead to an arrest, he said.
    “These criminals have to get lucky every time they commit their crimes, but deputies only need one lucky call from an alert citizen to put an end to this spree,” Anderson said. “A number of methods are being employed by deputies to combat these entering autos, with all possible tactics being used.”
    Contact the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 764-8888 with any information on these incidents. 

    Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.