GROVETOWN, Ga. () – The Grovetown Police Department is urging residents to secure their vehicles following a string of car break-ins that occurred over the weekend.

According to Police Chief Jamey Kitchens, six vehicles were targeted in a single night, from Friday evening through the early hours of Saturday morning.

The department is now advising the community to remain vigilant and take precautions.

Chief Kitchens emphasized that these break-ins are often crimes of opportunity and noted that there is typically a rise in such incidents during the holiday season.

“During the holidays, people tend to be out shopping for gifts, and they might leave their purchases in the car until later in the evening,” Kitchens explained. “In my nearly 30 years of service, I’ve consistently observed a spike in car break-ins around Christmas time.”

This most recent series of break-ins happening at the Creekside Trailer Park,  just a few minutes from the police department.

They are still investigating to find out exactly who committed the crimes, but Kitchens believes the break-ins were targeted. 

“Some of who we are looking at I think Columbia County is looking at as well. So, that shows clear coordination there,” Kitchens said.

The police chief says the alleged criminals were going into neighborhoods and pulling on car doors that might be unlocked, but they aren’t always looking for Christmas gifts to steal. 

“Obviously, they’re looking for stuff that they can shove in a bookbag, and if they can beat feet they’ll get gone. If they want to hit a whole neighborhood, they’re going to have a backpack on so they can throw a cell phone, laptop, or whatever in it. But, finding a gun is the icing on the cake for them,” he added.

Those who live in the area who did not want to go on camera say it is a valid concern.

Kitchens is strongly encouraging you to lock your doors no matter where you are. 

“We had somebody say if he locked his car they would just bust the window and I’d have to pay for that. What I say to that is: when you leave your house, don’t lock your front door, because they’re going to kick your door in. We’re just going to keep pushing this out, and I know that all the other agencies in the CSRA are giving the same message,” said Kitchens.

The City of Augusta sent out a similar message online reminding you to lock your car.

Chief Kitchens says if you have a firearm and can’t secure it inside your house, make sure it isn’t in plain sight and inside a locked vehicle.