The Rugby Police Department reports that several items have been taken out of automobiles in the city in recent weeks.

There have been no forced break-ins, but each vehicle where the theft occurred was found to be unlocked, according to Luis Coca, police chief. The person(s) who are committing these crimes are looking for unlocked vehicles and seeking money or other items of value.

The perpetrator scored over $150 in cash from one vehicle as well as an Ipod. Other vehicles had small amounts of change, cigarettes, CDs or other items stolen.

Coca said times have changed from when we would leave vehicles unlocked and with the keys in the ignition as well as our homes unlocked. The police department has stepped up patrols in residential areas during the nighttime hours and they encourage the public to secure property and report any suspicious activity immediately.