String Of Car Break-Ins Reported In Methuen Within Hours

METHUEN (CBS) -- Methuen police received more than a dozen reports of car break-ins Sunday that seem to have occurred within hours.

"People noticed when they went out to their motor vehicle either the car had been broken into, the window had been smashed and items were stolen, or they got into the car they noticed items strewn about and items were missing," Methuen Police Lt. Greg Gallant told WBZ-TV.

Methuen resident Lauren Corey says she always locks her car door, especially after she heard about car break-ins that occurred a few months ago.

"It just definitely doesn't feel safe to park my car here," she said.

The thieves grabbed anything from spare change to iPods, to a brief case. Police say many of the victims did not lock their car doors.

"Ever since I heard that a few months ago, I haven't kept anything in my car, I take everything up every night," Corey said.

Police say it may be obvious but locking your car is a good way to prevent break-ins.

"Try and keep your valuables out of sight, either keep them in the trunk or the glove box," Lt. Gallant said.