FORT VALLEY, Ga. (WGXA) – Car break-ins have become a growing safety concern in Fort Valley, leading police to arrest three teens over the weekend.

According to Fort Valley Police Chief D.J. Flores, car break-ins have increased 176 percent compared to this time last year. At this point in 2024, officers reported only 28 cases. This year, the number has surged — and Flores says the suspects are often teenagers.

On Sunday, officers arrested three 17-year-olds who now face multiple charges, including 16 counts of entering an automobile with intent to commit theft and two counts of possession of tools for the commission of a crime.

Police say it began with a report of a vehicle break-in in progress on Newton Street. Officers later encountered three males on bicycles. Investigators say they recovered stolen property, including personal identification, electronics, cash, and other valuables.

Chief Flores says he is concerned not just about the crime itself, but about the future of the young people involved.

“Starting off your adult life by committing crime is not a good start,” Flores said. “So we’re not just trying to curb these crimes, but asking what kind of help we can give our young children.”

Flores says he makes it a priority to participate in youth programs, reminding teens that support is available.

“Talk to somebody. If you need help, come see me. If you need a job, come see me. I’m going to try to help you. It may not necessarily be here at the police department, but somewhere in the community I can try to help.”

He also warned that the consequences of felony charges are lasting.

“These felony charges never come off your record. They never come off your record.”

Flores says patrols have been increased in areas most impacted by the car break-ins.