On Tuesday, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office posted a reminder to residents to lock vehicle doors and remove all valuables when exiting the vehicle. 

The reminder was prompted by a series of entering auto crimes that were reported in the county over the holiday weekend. 

According to the sheriff’s office, locked vehicles can serve as a solid deterrent, and it is important to lock up, even if the vehicle is in your driveway, since entering auto crimes are believed to often be crimes of opportunity.

Other general recommendations for preventing car theft include parking in well lit areas, hiding any valuables that you need to leave in your vehicle for whatever reason and never leave your car running while unattended.

Troup County is growing, and it is important to remember to take these simple, common sense steps to provide that extra measure of safety for yourself and your family. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so lock your doors.