Eastman Police asking for help as car break-ins spike

According to Chief Billy Cooper, there were 10 break-ins last month and 13 have been reported so far this month.

EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Eastman Police Department is asking the community for help after a recent surge in car break-ins.

According to Police Chief Billy Cooper, the break-ins began in December and have increased since.

According to Chief Cooper, there were 10 break-ins last month, and 13 have been reported so far this month. He says a lack of officers makes it difficult for police to catch those involved.

“We are operating on short staff right now,” he said. “We have currently 11 sworn officers in Eastman.”

That’s why he’s asking for help as the investigations continue.

“We are asking our citizens to help us out, and if they see anything, call us,” he said. “But yeah, we are putting extra people out at times that we can to try to combat this.”

Police are warning everyone in the city to stay alert and keep their doors locked.

“Keep your valuables out of your vehicle,” he said. “The other thing that I would like is if you have the capability to get some kind of camera system, that would help us out tremendously.”

Cooper says break-ins are happening overnight between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The police department urges residents to be vigilant during these hours and report any suspicious activity immediately.

“If you see somebody suspicious, you live in your neighborhood, you know who should be and shouldn’t be there. Call 911,” Cooper said.

Despite the challenges, the police department says it’s following a few leads.