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Deputies search for entered auto suspects
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After a recent rash of entered auto incidents, Rockdale deputies are asking the public's help to identify a suspect and reminding citizens to keep their vehicles locked.

Over the past two weeks, the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office has seen a sudden increase in thefts from suspects stealing items from unlocked vehicles parked in residential areas - about 15 incidents. However, the incidents have taken place throughout the county and nothing seems to indicate the activity in different areas is related, said RCSO crime analyst Cpl. Michael Camp.

The common factor is that nearly all the vehicles were unlocked.

"They're just grabbing whatever they can get their hands on. Typically they're not going to take the time to break in," said Camp. "We rarely see a broken-out window in a residential area. It's usually one or two suspects grabbing door handles."

There were three incidents reported near Hi Roc Road, eight reported July 23 in the Meadowbrook subdivision in south Rockdale near Newton County, a few reported near the DeKalb County line south of Interstate 20, and a few near Salem Road and Old Salem Road in the eastern part of the county. Items stolen include everything from loose change to a Kindle Fire device.

One home had video surveillance and was able to capture the image of the suspect approaching and opening the door of the car. The suspect was able to steal financial documents from the unlocked car.

Anyone with information about the suspect pictured in the security camera image is asked to contact Corporal Tyler Hooks at 770-278-8166.

"We try to remind people to lock your vehicle. Take anything of value inside," Camp emphasized.