MADISON – During the weekend of July 15-16, officers with Madison Police Department responded to vehicle burglaries in the Meadow View neighborhood, southeast of the intersection of Sullivan Street and Brown’s Ferry Road.

Officers believe a dark-colored Toyota Camry is related to these recent burglaries. They suspect three individuals are involved and were wearing dark clothing. Madison police officers are investigating several burglaries to vehicles.

Police encourage anyone who witnesses a suspicious situation or individuals in a neighborhood to notify local law enforcement. Madison residents should call Madison Police Department at 256-722-7190.

Individuals can prevent most thefts from cars and trucks. Madison Police Department offers these tips to help:

* Close vehicle windows and lock all doors.

* Remove all valuables, or place them in your trunk.

* Remove ‘pull-out’ style or removable faceplates for car stereos.

* Do not leave keys in vehicle. Do not leave a car’s ignition running.

In response to weekend burglaries, Madison Police Chief Dave Jernigan issued the following statement:

“This past Saturday into Sunday, we had a number of vehicle break-ins in Meadow View subdivision off of Sullivan Street near the new Kroger. Unlocked vehicles were the target in three separate residences on Bluebell Drive and one potential target on Geranium Drive. The homeowner on Geranium Drive confronted several subjects checking out his vehicle, and they fled on foot,” Jernigan said.

“There is a nationwide movement within law enforcement to inform all residents to consider doing a ‘9 p.m. Security Check.’ This check is a routine done every night around 9 p.m. (or any other time as long as it is done routinely) where vehicles are checked to see if they are secured, garage doors pulled shut, and all doors leading to the residence are double-checked and secured as locked for the evening.”

“Another way this is successful is for the last person to retire for the evening conduct this check. If you have teens or adults who may enter the residence after you retire for the evening, make sure they are security conscious and will secure the door(s) behind them,” Jernigan said.

“As always, make sure no valuables or weapons are left in any vehicle, even though it is secured. One thief caught recently told us that, if she wanted to steal a car, she comes to Madison because we do not lock our cars!” he said.

“One of the first things a thief will do is to push the start button on vehicles that have them hoping the key fob is in the console. If it starts – well — they steal it. Keys left in the car will have the same result.”

“Let’s make it difficult for anyone to make us a victim. Remove valuables and lock all doors. Try the 9 p.m. Security Check, and see how it works for you. Make Madison an extremely difficult place for anyone to violate our property and residences.”