Warrenton Police Chief Davis Bernard is asking residents to lock their vehicles and be alert for suspicious activity. His comments follow another rash of car break-ins his department is currently investigating. Bernard confirmed his department has responded to more reported car break-ins during the first seven months of 2009 than all of 2008. "The best thing people can do is lock their vehicles and remove all valuable items," Bernard told The Record. "These have been crimes of opportunity. They (suspects) are finding vehicles unlocked." Bernard said through the end of July, his department has already investigated 82 incidents of individuals breaking into vehicles. Last year, officers responded to 63 car break-ins. By this time a year ago, only 31 cases had been reported, according to Bernard. The number of incidents in Warrenton are staggering compared to other agencies in the county. For example, the Wright City Police Department has had only 15 cases involving car break-ins reported in 2009, while the Warren County Sheriff's Department has had 29 incidents reported. Deputies also investigated just 25 incidents in 2007, Sheriff Kevin Harrison added. Some of the items that burglars have been eyeing include stereos, speakers and GPS units, according to Bernard. He said most of the crimes have occurred at night. The investigation of possible suspects has been slowed up somewhat, Bernard said, because none of the stolen property has been recovered. "It's not isolated," Bernard said. "There are suspects of interest out there we are investigating."