FAIRHOPE, Alabama— A series of recent vehicle break-ins, thefts and alleged burglaries in the downtown area and throughout the city had the police department urging residents on its Facebook page to lock their cars and homes to keep valuables from being stolen.

“These crimes are currently under investigation and targeted patrols have been implemented,” a post on  the Fairhope Police Department's Facebook page states. “If you see anything or anyone suspicious, please contact our department at 928-2385.

“These criminals are looking for easy opportunities,” the post continues. “Please lock up your vehicles and homes and make sure that you do not leave purses, wallets, computers, medication and, most importantly, guns, in unlocked vehicles.”

Nearly a dozen vehicles have been broken into and had items stolen from them recently, according to the FPD, including the theft of a motorcycle from School Street at Fairhope Avenue and a vehicle from the Belle Chase neighborhood. Two of the vehicles that were broken into had guns stolen from them, according to the police.

Police also reported two commercial burglaries on Fairhope Avenue, at Fairhope True Value Hardware and Emmy’s Thrift Store, which is run by Ecumenical Ministries Inc.

Two Sisters Bakery on Scenic 98 was also broken into recently, according to the FPD.

Brad Baldwin of Fairhope Hardware said he was unsure if the break-in there occurred the night of July 3 or the morning of July 4, but he received a call early on the morning of July 4 from Fairhope police, telling him of a reported broken window at the store.

“They had thrown a brick through the window,” Baldwin told The Courier yesterday morning. “We don’t keep cash in the register after closing, so they got some change, but it doesn’t appear anything else was taken.”