Rockmart has seen a rise in the number of burglaries, according to Police Chief Keith Sorrells.

“There were 14 incidents in May,” Sorrels said.

Sorrells said incidents have been reported on Ridgewood Drive, Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Arbor Chase Parkway, Jones Avenue and Bluff, Forrest, and Hunter Streets just to name a few.

“It’s no particular place,” he said. “We’ve had several where windows are broken out. We’ve had several where a door was kicked in.”

Sorrells said thieves are seeking out only a couple of items, namely flat-screen televisions and jewelry.

Sorrells said thieves recently struck a place and bypassed three laptops to head straight for jewelry. That’s because there are more security and tracking available on computers, he said.

“What we are trying to follow up on is to find out where they are selling the TVs,” he said.

Sorrells said there could be several reasons for the increase in property thefts.

“The economy is one, but I really think drugs and alcohol are a large part of it too. I really do,” he said.

There are some things home and business owners can do to protect themselves and their property, according to Sorrells.

He said everyone needs to write down serial numbers of all their valuables, including all their electronics. Sorrells said a serial number is the only way to verify and reclaim stolen items.

Also, take pictures of valuables, particularly jewelry.

Sorrells said people need to make sure all windows and doors are locked in their home or office before leaving. One homeowner was burglarized after leaving a window slightly cracked with only a screen on the outside.

The chief said an alarm system is a good investment in safety and one that makes a noise will often scare would-be burglars away.

He also said a dog is a good deterrent, even if it’s a small one. According to Sorrells, burglars attempted to burglarize a home recently where a small dog was very loud and stopped the burglary.

Sorrells said everyone needs to be very cautious about what they put on their social pages. He said some will detail their vacation plans and post pictures from their destination.

“To a burglar, that’s an open invitation,” he said.

People need to also be careful about publicizing new purchases or gifts online because burglars can use that information also.