Last week, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office says four vehicles had been reported stolen across the county.

Deputies were called to numerous scenes after reports were made of suspects breaking and entering cars in Dawson County residential neighborhoods and roads.

Three of the four stolen vehicles were recovered, and one juvenile was charged after being arrested for multiple alleged vehicle crimes.

The array of items robbed from vehicles includes purses, jewelry, prescription medications, computers, iPads, wallets, backpacks and more.

Dawson County Sheriff, Jeff Johnson, has some advice on how you can avoid becoming a victim of an auto theft or break in.

What should you do if your car gets broken into?

Johnson: “Ideally, victims should contact 911 immediately and resist the urge to physically enter and check the vehicle. There may be physical evidence on or in the vehicle such as fingerprints, DNA, criminal tools etc. It is important to allow Law Enforcement to process the scene prior first.”

Are there any ways to prevent a theft or break in?

Johnson: “We have always believed that the best way to prevent crime is to remove the opportunity. Simply put, a crime such as an Entering Auto may be avoided by simply removing all articles from a vehicle, locking the doors and utilizing car alarms. Most criminals try to avoid detection therefore they may not risk being caught by randomly entering autos when there is no apparent reward.”

Do the cars that were stolen fall under a certain category? What are the similarities?

Johnson: “Unfortunately, these vehicles were left unlocked with the key fobs / keys in the vehicle.”

Anything else that pertains?

Johnson: “It is important to remember that we are not immune from criminal activity. Although we live in an area with relatively low crime, we must remain guarded and vigilant. It’s like the well-known saying by an unknown author, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. We must exercise precautions.”

Call 911 or UNG campus police at 706-864-1500 to report break ins and if you or someone you know has any information on the incidences, call the Dawson County Sheriff at 706-344-3636.