Officers with the Dowagiac Police Department are responding to a recent string of car larcenies that have occurred throughout the city in recent days.

According to Director of Public Safety Steven Grinnewald, the department has received a spike of complaints over the last five to seven days from residents reporting that their parked vehicles had been broken into. Police blotters show that officers have responded to more than a dozen car larcenies since Saturday, including seven insistences throughout Monday.

Residents have reported various items stolen from vehicles, including wallets, purses, electronics and firearms, Grinnewald said. Although police are unsure if it is the same group of suspects committing the thefts, the police chief said every vehicle targeted was unlocked at the time.

Authorities are still investigating whether or not the vehicle larcenies are related to the string of similar thefts that have occurred in recent weeks in Jefferson Township, which are currently being investigated by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Grinnewald said.

The department is investigating evidence left behind at several crime scenes in hopes of finding potential suspects, and is considering increasing patrols until the thefts subside, Grinnewald said.

Residents are asked to lock their vehicles after parking, and to not store any valuables inside them. Police also encourage residents to report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities.

People with information about the thefts can contact Dowagiac Police at (269) 782-6689.