Cass County Sheriff Richard J. Behnke is advising resident to lock their homes and vehicles to help curtail a rash of break ins.

From Dec. 25 to Jan. 15 there have been 20 burglaries and 23 larcenies reported to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

There has been a particular spike in this activity in the past week.

It is believed there are more incidents that have yet to be reported to law enforcement.  Most of these crimes are occurring in an area, but not limited to, Cassopolis and to the southeast.

Suspects are usually breaking into unlocked cars and garages to get property from vehicles and buildings.  Suspects are also breaking into unoccupied homes to get items of value as well.

The best practice is to secure your homes and vehicles as best as possible, Sheriff Behnke advised. He also suggested making information available to neighbors, or friends, that you trust when leaving your home for an extended period of time.  He said if you find yourself an unfortunate victim of crime be sure to report the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible.

Anybody information on these, or any other, crime is asked to contact the Cass County Tip Line 800-462-9328, through their website: www.ccso.info or by texting 274637 or calling Crime Stoppers 800-342-STOP, (7267)