Farmington Police Warn of Increase in Vehicle Tampering, Thefts from Unlocked Cars
Published: January 14, 2026.
FARMINGTON, MINNESOTA - In a Facebook post, the Farmington Police Department is alerting residents to a recent increase in reports of motor-vehicle tampering and thefts from unlocked vehicles across the community.
According to police, many of these incidents are crimes of opportunity, often involving vehicles left unlocked or containing visible valuables. Officers say even a brief period, such as running into a store or parking overnight, can create opportunities for theft.
How Residents Can Reduce the Risk
Police are encouraging residents to take several simple but effective steps to help prevent becoming a victim:
Lock your vehicle every time, even if you’re away for only a short time
Remove valuables or anything that could appear valuable, including bags, loose change, or electronics
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible, especially overnight
Report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement
Authorities emphasize that a locked vehicle with no visible valuables is one of the strongest deterrents against this type of crime.
What to Do If You Notice Something Suspicious
If residents observe suspicious behavior in their neighborhood or believe their vehicle has been tampered with, they are urged to contact the Farmington Police Department as soon as possible so officers can respond and document the incident.
Police say timely reporting helps them identify patterns, allocate patrol resources, and potentially prevent additional thefts in the area.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, look out for neighbors, and take proactive steps to secure their vehicles as investigations continue.
Written by: Will Wight
