ROCKLAND – Rockland Police have received an increasing number of complaints about items stolen from unlocked motor vehicles.

They are reminding the public to lock their vehicles when leaving them unattended and not to leave them unlocked with keys inside.

“Rockland is a safe place to live, which can cause complacency and people can take advantage of this complacency,” police said in the news release on Facebook.

Police added that all of these crimes involve unlocked vehicles and are typically crimes of opportunity, where the offender tries multiple vehicles to find an unlocked one. Very rarely are locked vehicles broken into in Rockland.

Police recommend that the public take the following simple steps, so they can help prevent these crimes:

1. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys inside. 100% of vehicle thefts in Rockland in recent years involve the use of a key, not “hotwired.”

2. Never leave your vehicle unattended and unlocked. Most all thefts from motor vehicles in Rockland involve unlocked vehicles.

3. If you see something, say something. We are here 24/7, please report persons trying car handles, suspicious persons, etc. when you see it occurring, so officers can respond to the area as soon as possible. 

4. If you’re a victim, report it. Reporting motor vehicle burglaries, even if nothing of value was taken, can help us collect data on when and where crimes are occurring in Rockland and make needed adjustments to what we are doing to better serve you and possibly stop crimes before they happen. 

5. If you know something, say something.

“Crime fighting is a community effort and we need your help,” police said.

Police ask that you contact Detective Alex Gaylor with any information and tips on crimes that have occurred in Rockland, including but not limited to thefts and burglaries.

Tips or information can be left by phone at 207-594-0316 ext. 253, or by email at agaylor@rocklandmaine.gov.