Belle Fourche police are investigating a recent spurt of unlawful vehicle entries.

Police Chief Tom Maunders said three incidents were reported Wednesday night alone, and he believes there are more that aren't being reported.

Technically, he said, they're not burglaries because there is no forced entry. People simply are leaving their cars and trucks unlocked and open to theft.

It appears that only cash is being taken. But that could change, he said.

"Basically, I just want to give a reminder to the public to lock their vehicles," he said. "Whether they're in your driveway, your garage or at work, make sure your vehicle is locked."

He said: "An unlocked vehicle is a temptation to people who are looking for money or whatever. They're not after valuables; they're after cash."

"If everybody just remembers to lock their cars and then remember that the same goes for their home," Maunders said. "When you're in your home, lock your doors when you go to bed at night. Be safe."

Although Belle Fourche and other small rural communities are often considered places where locks aren't needed, Maunders said that isn't the case.

"For years, we've had people walk in, and then somebody would come downstairs and find a drunk asleep on their couch," he said.