In a Facebook post Monday, the Steuben County Sheriff's Office is encouraging the public to secure their vehicles as a rash of stolen vehicles since June 1st of this year has authorities on high alert.

All of the vehicles have been left unlocked with the keys in them. Some of the vehicles have been left unsecured in business parking lots while the vehicle owner conducts business inside the station or store.

The surrounding counties to Steuben County; DeKalb, Noble, LaGrange and the surrounding counties in Michigan of Branch and Hillsdale Counties have also been investigating numerous vehicle thefts with similar circumstances. The majority of the vehicles are being recovered within the above counties, usually within a few days of the theft.

Several suspects have been arrested for the theft of some of these vehicles. Additional criminal charges may be filed against the same suspects as they continue to be released on bond for current charges. The Sheriff's Office is developing additional suspects while the investigation continues.

The public is being asked to make sure that you lock your vehicle and never leave the keys in them, even if you think you might only be away from it for a few moments.