DEL NORTE — According to reports from Del Norte Police Chief Frank Archuleta, vehicle break-ins and thefts are on the rise in town.

Archuleta stated the department has been busy the past couple of weeks and is urging the public for assistance in curbing the rise in auto thefts.

“Activity is pretty constant right now and we need to remind people to lock their vehicles and to not leave anything of value inside their vehicles,” Archuleta said.

Archuleta and his department have been working the cases, trying to find leads to who might be responsible for the thefts.

“Like many departments throughout the Valley, we are short-handed and are asking people to report any suspicious activity,” Archuleta said. “Watch out for your neighbors and help each other curb the rise in thefts. We are asking for any leads that may help us identify the party or parties responsible for these incidences.”

Archuleta is advising the public to not leave valuables in vehicles especially guns.

“I usually call it eye candy, but it is just anything of value especially guns,” Archuleta said. “We have had an overabundance of weapons stolen from vehicles and are asking people to please take them inside or with you if the vehicle is going to be left for an extended period of time. We are working constantly to get to the bottom of this, but we need the public’s help.”

In the past, Del Norte was a hotspot for home burglaries which were resolved last year thanks to the tireless efforts of the Del Norte Police Department. With the help of the public and Neighborhood Watch, the perpetrators that were responsible for the incidences were brought to justice.

For more information or to report any suspicious activity, contact the DNPD at 719-657-2600.