Utica, NY (WIBX) - If you need a reason to lock your vehicle at night...here's one.

Police are reporting an increase in vehicle larcenies throughout Oneida County, including several in Utica. Everything from laptops, to GPS units, to money and other personal items, police said. In some cases, authorities say the vehicles' tires and rims have been stolen.

'The perpetrators have removed tires and rims while the vehicles are left hoisted up by bricks or rocks from neighboring properties. These larcenies are occurring in the early morning hours in primarily residential areas', according to a release from the Oneida County District Attorney's Office and the Oneida County Law Enforcement Coalition.

Police say they're looking for a white Nissan Altima, and believe U-Haul trucks are possibly being used to transport the stolen items.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible.

  • New Hartford Police Department (Officer Dan Herman): 724-7111
  • New York State Police (Inv. Allen Svitak): 736-0122
  • Oneida County Sheriff’s Office (Sgt. Larry Wood): 765-2226
  • Utica Police Department (Inv. Terry Oczkowski): 223-3510
  • Whitesboro Police Department (Officer Peter Sobel): 736-1944
  • Whitestown Police Department (Chief Don Wolanin): 736-1100
  • Yorkville Police Department (Officer Patrick Collea): 736-8331

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