10/22/2026
🚨🔒 LOCK YOUR VEHICLES! IT'S THAT SIMPLE!
The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office wants to remind everyone of something that should be common sense, but unfortunately continues to be a problem in our community.
We continue to receive reports of money, fi****ms, computers, electronics, and other valuable property being stolen from vehicles.
The frustrating fact? Many of these thefts could have been prevented by simply LOCKING THE VEHICLE DOORS!
Criminals often aren't breaking windows or forcing their way into vehicles. They're walking through neighborhoods, checking door handles, and taking advantage of vehicles left unlocked.
And unfortunately, they're finding plenty of opportunities.
🚗 LOCK your vehicle every time you leave it, even in your own driveway.
🔑 NEVER leave your keys or key fob inside.
🔫 NEVER leave an unsecured fi***rm in your vehicle. If you must temporarily store one, use a properly secured, locked storage device.
💵 REMOVE cash, wallets, computers, and other valuables.
👀 REPORT suspicious individuals checking vehicles or walking through driveways at night.
We can patrol neighborhoods, investigate thefts, and arrest those responsible, but we cannot lock your vehicle doors for you.
Here's the bottom line: Criminals are responsible for stealing, but vehicle owners have a responsibility to secure their property.
Don't make yourself an easy target. Take the extra five seconds, check your doors, and LOCK YOUR VEHICLE!
A little personal responsibility goes a long way toward preventing crime in Okeechobee County.
