Du Quoin Vehicles Burglarized

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Du Quoin Police Department is investigating a handful of vehicle burglaries in the North Washington Street area over the weekend.

Chief of Police Mike Ward told the newspaper this morning residents need to lock their vehicles at all times and park them in well-lighted and secure areas at night. Reports are still being completed, but Chief Ward said three happened Friday night and another over the weekend. One happened on the city's south side. "They were all over," said Chief Ward.

One vehicle was actually stolen off the old Handee-Mart lot on the west side and taken somewhere to remove the stereo. The car was then driven and dumped on the parking lot alongside the Methodist Church.

Chief Ward said items left in the seat or in cup holders and consols were taken from others including iPods, MP3 players, currency and other snatch 'n go items that could easily be grabbed. Police say most vehicle doors were left open so residents couldn't hear the car doors being closed when thieves finished. If you have any information about these thefts, please contact the police department at 542-2133.