Albert Lea Police are alerting the public to an increase of thefts in the city. Seventy thefts and burglaries were reported in the past month. The police are asking the public to make sure to lock up their properties.

&uot;The number has been increasing since spring,&uot; ALPD Assistant Chief Dwaine Winkels said of the thefts. &uot;Most of the crimes are taking place in the residential areas. We encourage citizens to call police if they see any suspicious person or have information.&uot;

The crimes reported in the past month are:

Thefts from vehicles: 21

Stolen bikes: 20

Other thefts: 10

Burglaries: 17

Attempted burglaries: 2

Unlocked vehicles and garages are the most common target of the thefts. A theft of a 2000 model Harley Davidson from the garage of business on Margaretha Avenue last Wednesday was no exception. Items taken include cell phones, lawn mowers, weed eaters, lawn lights and cash.

Winkels pointed out that these are crimes of opportunity, and it is possible for people to avoid becoming targets with a minimum effort to lock their doors.