Carrollton Police urge residents to be vigilant after several vehicles were burglarized outside of day care centers and gyms.
Officials urge residents to keep a close on on their vehicles, especially at these locations.
"We are trying to prevent a short-term trend from becoming a long-term problem," Carrollton Police Detective Robert Hays said.
Hays said there have been more vehicle burglaries in the past few weeks at day care centers and gyms than normal.
"When that started happening, we immediately tried to get ahead of the curve and get the word out," Hays said.
He said these places are easy targets.
"People don't want to carry their purses and wallets into the gym when they work out. At day cares, parents feel safe, and they are only going to be inside for a few minutes, so they will leave their purse on the seat," Hays said.
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Nearly 50% of the vehicle burglary cases this year have happened to unlocked vehicles.
"That's staggering," Carrollton resident David Deruytter said. "Who doesn't lock their car? I mean, why would you not?"
"I know a lot of people do leave their car unlocked," Carrollton resident Linda Ali said.
Locked or unlocked, officials warn everyone to be on the lookout this time of year.
"Criminals want a Christmas too. They know this is a time of year that people are always in a rush, always have their hands full. It does get dark earlier," Hays said.
Overall, the number of car burglaries in Carrollton is down this year. Officials want to keep it this way, so they are reminding even the busiest to slow down and lock up.
