Authorities are encouraging residents to lock their vehicles and keep valuables inside after a recent string of vehicle burglaries in Jefferson County. 

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received 46 reports of vehicle break-ins, which resulted in seven guns being stolen from five unlocked vehicles, from Feb. 17 through Feb. 24.

In just one week, Feb 17 – 24, we responded to 46 reports of vehicle break-ins in unincorporated #Jeffco. The vast majority of those vehicles were unlocked, and a total of 7 guns were stolen from 5 of the unlocked vehicles. So how can we prevent these crimes? #thisistheway pic.twitter.com/ubCFG7fD73

— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco) February 26, 2021

“Do not leave anything in your car and lock your door,” said Mike Taplin, a public information officer for the sheriff’s department. 

“Not only do people look for vehicles that are unlocked, but if those people see something in your car and they want it; it’s not difficult to break a window.”

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Taplin said if residents must keep something in their vehicle, the best place to put it is in the trunk, or have it fully covered with a blanket.

Despite the recent uptick in vehicle-break ins, Taplin said they do not appear to be connected, and such activity has been on the rise throughout the country.

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“We see repeat offenders all the time and new ones, but these types of crimes generally happens in waves, but are more common during the warmer months when people are at their kids sporting events, or out at state parks,” Taplin said.

Anyone who has information regarding any of the recent vehicle break-ins are encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at (303) 271-5612.