Residents in one town are being hit by a wave of vehicle thefts and damages, a sticky-fingered trend that has locals on high alert. The Mankato Police Department has reported a significant spike in the thefts from vehicles over the past month, stating a troubling 26 incidents since the start of April. The culprits are taking advantage of residents' lax security, primarily targeting cars that are left unlocked.

According to a post on Mankato Police and Fire's Facebook page, the thieves are not only looking for quick grabs such as electronics or cash; they're also leaving a trail of damage in their wake even when they don’t find anything worth taking. "In most cases, the vehicles have been unlocked," the department noted, illustrating a simple yet overlooked precaution – lock your doors. Residents are being reminded to secure their belongings, as leaving an iPod or a pair of sunglasses in plain view could turn your car into the next target.

It's not just theft the vehicle owners are dealing with, the department reported that there have been 11 instances of criminal damage to vehicles within the same time frame. The incidents are happening under the cover of night, typically in the late and early morning hours. Thieves appear to be methodically selecting a neighborhood, scouring it for valuables, then, moving onto their next mark. A representative from the police department stressed the importance of vigilance: "Your first line of defense is to simply keep your vehicle locked at all times."

The police are urging the community to help deter crime by keeping cars locked, valuables out of sight or secured in trunks, and by reporting any suspicious activity. Those with information or concerns can contact the Mankato Police Department at (507) 387-8725. By adopting these simple habit changes, the hope is to thwart these opportunistic criminals before they strike again, turning the tide on this disturbing increase in vehicle-related offenses.