Car thefts on the rise in Rockland

ROCKLAND (WGME) -- With thefts on the rise in Rockland, police are urging Mainers to lock your car doors.

All around the city, police say they’ve seen more car thefts since the beginning of 2024 than all of last year.

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"They’re typically crimes of opportunity. So, people going around, trying door handles, looking for unlocked vehicles either to take change from, or whatever valuables left in the vehicle, or, if there's a key in it, often they'll just take the vehicle,” Rockland Deputy Police Chief Alex Gaylor said.

Police say there is no specific make or model more vulnerable to theft and encourage residents to always lock their vehicles.

If you have an automatic start key fob, never leave it in or near the vehicle.