North Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec is warning residents in the city about an increase of car break-ins as the warm weather approaches.
“This is common when the weather gets better, that we tend to see a few more break ins,” said Tylec in an interview with WBEN on Friday. “Not just us, but we get reports of other neighboring communities that deal with it as well.”
Tylec says the break-ins are happening from “predominantly outsiders” that are coming into other municipalities. Items being taken from these break-ins are mostly electronics and money left in vehicles.
Residents in the area are urged to double check and make sure their vehicles are locked at night. The North Tonowanda Police Department has also notified people to follow the 9 p.m. routine.
“Around 9 p.m., just make sure you're checking your vehicles,” Tylec said. “Just make sure your vehicle is locked, whatever type of vehicle you have, not all of them lock on their own when you walk away. It's good for residents to just be aware of this and be vigilant, and it helps our department out as well.”
Tylec further advises residents if you see anything suspicious, call 716-692-4111.