JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Jefferson City Police Department is warning residents about an increase in vehicle break-ins and thefts after several vehicles were reportedly entered this week, including one vehicle that was stolen. The recent incidents have some residents raising questions ab out crime in the community and whether the city’s Flock cameras are being placed in the areas where they could be most useful. On Friday, the Jefferson City Police Department shared surveillance video on its social media page showing a man attempting to enter vehicles in the 1700 block of Stadium Boulevard. Police said they have received several reports of vehicles being entered, including one vehicle stolen from Mesa Avenue. Chelsea Dyer and her family were among the victims this week. Dyer said she did not capture the intruders on her home surveillance cameras because the cameras had died. She discovered what happened when she was dropping her children off the next day. “The vehicle was a complete disaster on the inside. Papers were thrown everywhere, and then some cash was missing.” For residents who live in the area, the recent incidents are unusual. Donna M. Ellis, a Jefferson City resident, said she has generally felt safe in the neighborhood. “I would say up until this occurred, we have had no problems whatsoever of feeling anything other than totally safe in the area.” Dyer said she was disappointed to see someone target other people's property. “It is sad to see that people feel the need to be just corrupt and destructive to other people’s properties. But I think ultimately we’re missing a complete focus in society that we really need to be focusing more on our higher power.” Police are asking residents to check home security cameras, doorbell cameras and other surveillance footage for any suspicious people or activity during the overnight and early morning hours. That includes the time frame between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. The department is also reminding residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and avoid leaving keys or other items inside their cars. Ellis said she follows most of those recommendations, except for locking her vehicle. “I keep nothing in my car anybody could possibly want.” Ellis said. “Unless, of course, they go to Aldi’s and need a few quarters. I find it easier to not lock it so they can look and see there’s nothing they want.” The recent break-ins are also raising questions about the city's network of Flock cameras, including where they are located and whether they are helping in areas where crimes are being reported. Less than a month ago, the Jefferson City Council renewed its contract with Flock Safety. Since September 2025, the Jefferson City Police Department has operated 21 Flock automated license plate readers throughout the city. According to previous reporting, the new agreement runs through May 14, 2027, and will cost the city $51,000. Ellis said she supports the use of Flock cameras. “I’m all for getting criminals off the street, and that is a tool they can use. They just don’t need to abuse it,” Dyer said she has mixed feelings about increased surveillance. “I feel indifferent.” Dyer said. “I think there’s going to be pros and con to more surevillance,” The DeFlock map shows over 40 cameras in the Jefferson City area, with a high concentration downtown. According to the map, there is no Flock camera installed near Mesa Ave. Zederic Crawford, a Jefferson City resident, questioned whether the cameras are being placed in the areas where they are needed most. "Pretty obvious that those are high black crime areas or high black traffic areas and homeless," Crawford said. "That's probably why they're going to put them downtown because of the homeless to keep an eye on them. I don't think it's a security tool to fight crime I think it's more of monitoring." Crawford said he believes additional cameras could be useful in other parts of the city. "There needs to be more in the shopping malls and shopping centers," he said. "Where there are no cameras at all. At least one Flock camera should be there. It would probably solve the Eric Spencer case." Crawford also said residents should have a voice in deciding where the cameras are installed. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata were among the vehicles most frequently stolen in the United States last year. ABC 17 reached out to the Jefferson City Police Department for a year-in-review of its use of Flock cameras, including how often the technology has helped with investigations and whether the department plans to add or relocate cameras. The department has not yet responded. The post Jefferson City police see an increase in vehicle break-ins and thefts appeared first on ABC17NEWS. ...read more read less