Thieves have been targeting cars throughout Holyoke, say police, who are urging residents to lock their vehicles and to remove all valuables.
HOLYOKE -- The Paper City has experienced a rash of vehicle break-ins this summer, and police are asking residents to take precautions to avoid becoming crime victims.
The culprits appear to be equal-opportunity thieves, breaking into a variety of vehicles in a variety of neighborhoods throughout the city, according to Holyoke Police Sgt. John Hart.
Hart said the term "break-in" doesn't necessarily denote the smashing of a window to gain entry to a vehicle, but rather refers to any illegal entry to a car or truck -- even simply opening an unlocked door to steal items from a vehicle.
One simple way people can avoid becoming an easy target is by locking all vehicle doors and removing all valuables, Hart said.
"Whenever you leave your vehicle, remember to lock it," he said, urging city residents to remove anything of value when exiting their vehicles.
"Take your valuable items with you inside," Hart said.
Meanwhile, investigators remain unsure how many people are involved in the break-ins, which haven't been concentrated in any particular neighborhood but rather have been fairly evenly distributed throughout the city. But the thieves so far have shown no signs of letting up.
"They've been going all around," Hart said, adding that the break-ins have occurred mostly at night.
Police are asking anyone who sees criminal activity to call them at (413) 322-6900.