The Fort Dodge Police Department is asking the public to take extra precautions after a series of car break-ins were reported in the city.

Over the past two weeks, people in the area north and east of Reynolds Park, as well as in Cooper Elementary School neighborhood, have reported that their cars were ransacked overnight.

Thefts were reported as well, according to Capt. Ryan Gruenberg, of the Fort Dodge Police Department.

Some of the targeted vehicles were unlocked.

Gruenberg said the department is encouraging people to lock their car doors to make it more difficult for those who want to steal to get into the vehicles.

Over the past few months, the Fort Dodge Police Department has been taking part in the “9 p.m. Routine,” which encourages people to get into the habit of checking to make sure their doors are locked and secured before they go to bed as a way of preventing thefts and break-ins.

Gruenberg suggested that people park their vehicles in their driveways, which he said would make it more difficult for a theft suspect to break in to the vehicle.

No suspect description is available, but Gruenberg said it’s believed the suspects are either on foot or on bicycles.

The Police Department has increased the amount of patrols it does in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Dodge Police Department at 515-573-1426 or Webster County Crime Stoppers at 515-573-1444. Tips can also be sent online at wccrimestoppers.com or by texting “LEC” and the tip to 274637.