“The majority of them have been unlocked,” he said today. “A small percentage have had the windows busted out.”

After a weekend where a total of 25 were reported, “We're looking to put the breaks on it,” Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said. “We've got some things in the works.”

What exactly those things are, Jackson would not say, but the police department is looking to keep the number of break-ins from approaching the 79-mark seen in the spring of this year.

The message is one the police department continues to preach. “If you want to keep your car unlocked, don't leave anything of value in the car,” Martin said.

Leaving items of value inside a locked car which is broken into compounds the problem for victims, Martin said. “It costs more and causes more damage for the victim.”

Like Jackson, Martin said things are in the works to stem the break-ins. “We're diligently working on the car break-ins. We will get to the bottom of it.”

Martin advises residents to leave a light on and if you have motion lights, make sure they're working. “Get personal items of the car. It's something that only benefits the criminals.”

Martin and Jackson both say the police department understands the idea of leaving cars unlocked. Times, however, have changed. “They still violated you, it's still breaking and entering, but don't leave anything in your car,” Martin said.

Martin believes the quest for drug money is at the root of the problem. “It's sad to say, but we are saturated with narcotics. The City County Drug Task Force is doing a great job, but when they get rid of one they have someone else step up.”

Police believe a couple of groups are most likely behind the crimes, Martin said, and saturation patrols have helped slow the problem down this week.

The dollar value on the items taken in the crimes has been large, he said, but no cumulative amount was immediately available.

Martin advises, “If you hear something at night, call. If you hear someone walking around or see something call.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Martin or Investigator Jeff Davis at 252-533-2810.