The Starkville Police Department is investigating a series of auto burglaries and vehicle thefts reported before spring break, many of which occurred at Lakeside Place Apartments, a housing complex that markets to Mississippi State University students.

According to a press release from the Starkville Police Department, officers received reports of 18 auto burglaries and two stolen vehicles in the early hours of March 6.

Most of the incidents were reported at Lakeside Place Apartments and within the nearby Crossgates subdivision, which are on the west end of Starkville near Walmart Supercenter.

Police said one of the stolen vehicles was recovered shortly after it was reported missing. Authorities reported no signs of forced entry in any of the vehicles involved. No information was provided about the status of the other stolen vehicle.

According to police, auto burglaries are often crimes of opportunity, in which suspects check multiple vehicles in a short period, typically targeting unlocked vehicles or those with visible valuables. As part of its “9 p.m, Routine” campaign, the Starkville Police Department encourages community members to lock vehicle doors and secure valuables each night to combat theft.