Community reminded to remove valuables from vehicles

Due to an emerging trend in nation-wide vehicle break-ins, the Monett Police Department is urging all community members to be vigilant and be safe when it comes to leaving items in their vehicles.

Law enforcement agencies across several states have been experiencing reports of out-of-the-area perpetrators breaking into locked vehicles in high-density parking lots by smashing windows. The thieves identify personal items like purses, personal identification, debit cards and check books. When the perpetrators steal financial documents or information, they appear to visit out-of-area banks to attempt to cash fraudulent checks.

Due to the nature of these crimes, the Monett Police Department is asking the community to be sure to remove all valuables from their vehicle, lock vehicle doors and report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. If valuables must be stored in a vehicle, we recommend storing them in the trunk or another secure, out-of-sight location.

To report suspicious activity, please contact the Monett Police Department at 417-235-4241.