By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The Gardendale Police Department is cautioning residents about locking car doors.

Chief Mike Walker said there has been a recent increase in car break-ins in residential neighborhoods. Break-ins were recently reported in the Magnolia Ridge and Gardendale Manor subdivisions.

As of Friday, no arrests have been made in connection with the break-ins.

“Our advice is to lock your car doors,” Walker said. “Don’t leave any valuables where they can be readily seen.”

Walker said items like GPS systems and satellite radios are items that should not be left out in a vehicle.

He also advised that residents park vehicles close to their homes and if possible, install motion-sensing flood lights where the vehicle is parked.

The police department has stepped up patrols, but he also advised calling the police department if any suspicious persons are seen walking in local neighborhoods at at night. The police department can be reached at 631-8787.