Lake Charles detective urges residents to lock cars, remove valuables as thieves check vehicles in summer

Detective Corporal Adam Richard of the Lake Charles Police Department urged Lake Charles residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables after describing a common summer pattern of vehicle checks and burglaries.

"In summer months, it's very common to see people going door to door checking vehicles whether they're locked or unlocked," Richard said, adding that suspects often pull on door handles and enter cars that are left unlocked. "If it's unlocked, they go in and they burglarize it. If it's locked, they just move on to the next one."

Richard said poor exterior lighting and obscured parking — such as dark carports, alleyways or parking areas — make vehicles more attractive targets. He recommended installing or using exterior lights to deter potential thieves.

He listed the items most often taken from vehicles as cash, weapons, credit cards, wallets and identifying documents, and advised residents to make it part of their nightly routine to lock vehicles and remove valuables, including weapons and ammunition, from cars and secure them inside the home.

For extended absences, Richard recommended coordinating with a trusted family member, friend or neighbor to secure and check the property, put out trash and retrieve mail to create the appearance someone remains at the residence.

He closed by urging community vigilance: "You should always say something if you see something. Report all suspicious activity to Lake Charles Police Department," Richard said.

The advisory provides preventive tips but does not include crime-rate statistics or counts; Richard did not provide numerical data on incidents in the transcript.