Auto Burglaries Rise in New Mexico Community

Police say they have seen the number of motor vehicle burglaries in the eastern New Mexico community of Portales more than double in the last month.

Police Chief Doug Jones and Lt. Pat Gallegos tell the Portales News Tribune that there have been 33 auto burglaries since October. That’s one third of the 104 burglaries reported so far this year.

Jones says there’s a “vigorous investigation” under way but he declined to say whether any suspects have been identified.

He’s urging residents to be on alert and not to leave valuables in their cars.

Jones says half the vehicles robbed have been unlocked and most have had valuables left in them – from purses and wallets with cash and credit cards to laptops and cameras.