The South Williamsport Police Department is investigating two incidents in which the windows of vehicles were smashed while parked along the riverwalk near the site of the future Local Government Center and Community Building, 545 E. Central Ave., according to city Police Chief Daniel Embeck.

The burglaries, which occurred during the day, are being investigated by Sergeant Jacob Summers, says Embeck.

A similar incident is also under investigation in Montoursville Borough, where a vehicle had its front passenger window smashed in the Indian Park parking lot shortly after noon Monday when a female victim was walking her dog, according to Patrolman Marcus Watkins.

There were no witnesses or surveillance video of the perpetrator, and wallets were stolen from the vehicles in the three incidents, authorities said.

Although few clues have emerged so far, Embeck said there are several precautions residents can take to protect themselves against such invasions.

“In general, we don’t have people just smashing windows and breaking into cars, because that attracts too much attention. Most of the time it is an entry into an unlocked vehicle.” Embeck said.

The most effective step residents can take is to keep their vehicle locked.

Most of the burglaries occurred at night when criminals look through windows to see if any valuables are in sight, as they try to get in through unlocked doors, the chief explained. explained.

“So, number two, don’t leave things of value in the car, like your purse, your wallet, your phone, and above all, don’t leave them visible.” Embeck advised.

“If you leave something valuable in plain sight, you have a good chance of it being stolen.” he said.

Especially around the holiday season, Embeck encourages citizens to bring their packages and shopping finds indoors as soon as they get home.

“This time of year with shopping, if you leave bags or packages that you bought in the car, you’re just asking for someone to break into your car and steal them.” said the manager.

Above all, Embeck stressed the importance of not leaving firearms in unattended vehicles.

“If you have a firearm in your vehicle and you go out, take it with you, bring it into your home if you can’t take it to work.” he urged.

“If somebody breaks in, now they have a firearm, and what happens to those firearms? They end up on the street, where they’re sold or traded for drugs, and they end up in the hands of drug dealers, drug users, gang members, and they can be used for violent crimes.” Embeck explained.