The springtime is often a season of increased crime in rural communities as more people can be mobile, free of the elements.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is reminding people to lock those car doors. With more people able to be out, it is the time of the year when they encounter a spike in theft of motor vehicles.

Chief Lowers indicates they do not often encounter circumstances of forced entry to vehicles, but rather these are often crimes of opportunity, people looking for those unlocked cars.

Local authorities are also seeing increased encounters with loose pets. Chief Lowers reminds there is a leash law in Clinton.

With nicer weather will also come gatherings in residential neighborhoods. Chief Lowers always reminds to be a good neighbor by being respectful of your neighbors around you.