Canfield police are warning residents not to let their guards down.
While they arrested five people they believe broke in to 12 cars and a home last month, investigators said even though the alleged gang of thieves is off the streets, anyone can still be a victim.
"I can't stress enough, don't make yourself a victim," said Det. Brian McGivern.
The suspects told police they targeted cars with unlocked doors.
"They can do it within 15 to 20 minutes and 15 to 20 cars are being hit," McGivern said.
Police said use common sense and lock your car doors no matter where it's parked.
For break-ins that reach beyond the car and into the home, they have different advice.
Right now in Boardman, police are trying to solve more than 20 home invasions. All occurred in the middle of the day and when no one was home.
"The best thing you could do is have an alarm system with an external speaker on your home," said Boardman detective Sgt. Glen Riddle. "So that if someone does enter that's not authorized to be in there, at least the neighbors will hear the sirens go off."
Tony Ramunno, the owner of Allied Locksmiths in Youngstown, also recommends reinforcing your doors.
"You want a good deadlock that has a one-inch throw," he said. "That has a strike plate with the screws that go into the 2 by 4 behind the board."
And for another line of defense, it doesn't hurt to lock your valuables in a safe.
