Martinsville residents who left their cars unlocked over the weekend may want to double-check their driveways. Police said Monday that officers are working to return recovered property and are warning the public after multiple vehicle break-ins scattered across several neighborhoods in the city.
According to officers, items collected from the weekend incidents are being held for pickup while investigators try to match property with rightful owners. Officials are again urging residents to keep vehicles locked, avoid leaving valuables in plain view and make a habit of checking doors and windows every day.
The City of Martinsville Police Department lists its office phone as 765-349-4900, with business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents are asked to call during those hours to report missing items and request follow-up. The city page also includes the department’s address and information on services for filing reports.
In a post from the department’s B-night-shift, shared on the Martinsville Police Department on Facebook, officers said they collected items they hope to return. Investigators are asking anyone missing property to provide photos or serial numbers when filing reports to help speed up identification. The post also repeated a familiar warning: do not leave valuable property inside vehicles or in plain sight, and report any suspicious activity so officers can follow up.
How to report and protect your vehicle
When reporting a theft, police recommend documenting serial numbers and taking clear photos of missing items, which can help officers confirm ownership and move recovered property back to victims more quickly. The Martinsville post specifically asked residents to have those details ready when filing reports.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau advises drivers to lock doors, park in well-lit areas and keep valuables out of sight to cut down on opportunistic theft. If you suspect your vehicle was targeted, officials say you should file a police report and preserve any surveillance footage or photos that might help investigators.
Why residents should act quickly
Investigators say that reporting incidents as soon as possible gives police a better shot at returning property and spotting patterns in break-ins. The FBI notes that vehicle break-ins are often crimes of opportunity and that tips from the community, along with video or photos, can play a key role in identifying suspects.
Residents with information about the recent Martinsville vehicle break-ins are asked to call the Martinsville Police Department at 765-349-4900 during business hours, or dial 911 to report suspicious activity in progress.
