CPD Warns Citizens of Leaving Belongings in Cars

The Cookeville Police Department warns citizens of leaving valuables in their vehicles following a series of break-ins throughout the city.

“Unfortunately it’s not uncommon to have vehicle break-ins,” CPD Chief Randy Evans said. “A lot of these break-ins are because people have left valuables in plain view. They’ve left vehicles unlocked in a lot of our cases. Sometimes people have even left keys in the vehicle or the vehicle running.”

Evans advises citizens to make sure valuables are out of plain sight so burglars are unable to see them.

“I guess I would encourage people to remove the keys, lock the doors, remove valuables, and secure those inside your home or business,” Evans said. “I think that would go a long way in preventing these crimes.”

Evans said taking the time to remove valuable belongings from the vehicle can go a long way in preventing more break-ins from happening.

“We can eliminate a lot of crime just by taking that extra second thinking about our own security, securing our items and securing our vehicles,” Evans said.

Authorities recently arrested 55-year-old Samuel Smith in connection with at least two vehicle break-ins in Cookeville. Investigators are also looking into whether Smith committed similar crimes in Algood and White County.