Thieves steal from vehicles, garage

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BROOKINGS – Thieves entered vehicles and even a garage to steal a variety of items over the weekend, according to the Brookings Police.

A number of reports came in on Saturday and apparently occurred between Friday evening and Saturday morning, said Lt. Derrick Powers.

The first occurred in the 300 block of Harvey Dunn Street, where an unlocked vehicle was parked. A wallet was taken from inside the vehicle, Powers said.

The second occurred in the 600 block of Park Avenue, where a vehicle was left unlocked, Powers said.

Taken were two handguns; both were Jimenez models, one a 9 mm handgun and the other was a .22 caliber handgun. Also taken were a digital Nikon camera and a Sony video camera.

The third theft was from an unlocked garage in the 800 block of Sixth Avenue, Powers said. Taken were a neon Grain Belt beer sign and a cordless drill.

The fourth report was regarding an unlocked vehicle parked in the 900 block of Second Avenue, Powers said. Taken was a TomTom GPS unit, a Jump Pack battery and cash.

The fifth incident occurred in the 300 block of Sixth Avenue South.

“Forced entry was made into this vehicle,” Powers said. “The items which were taken include a purse and a wallet.”

Since all but one place was unlocked, Powers issued a warning.

“Locking your vehicle helps you prevent being a victim,” he said. “The best way to keep your valuables from being taken is not to leave them in your vehicle when it’s unoccupied.”

“(Leaving things is) inviting thieves and giving them a temptation to take your belongings. There are people out, obviously, looking for potential victims,” he said.