It's the Holiday Season and, according to local Sheriff's Department Officials, it is a prime time for thefts and burglaries in Chattooga County.  Captain Ken Anderson with the Chattooga County Sheriff's Department says that the county has seen an increase in burglaries and thefts recently.

The department has reported 10-15 burglaries and thefts in the past month alone. Anderson credits that to the holiday season which always bring an increase in burglaries and thefts, as well as the economic situation and lots of people being without jobs. He said most of those crimes are occurring in rural areas, during the day, when people are at work. He said the Sheriff's Department is trying to combat the increase with extra patrols.

Anderson says the best way to keep your home safe is to arrange for neighbors to keep an eye out on your home when you are away. He says neighborhood watch programs are very effective. Anderson also says that if you see any suspicious vehicles to call 911. He said many people think that's a nuisance, but that's the job of law enforcement personnel. Many of the items being stolen are copper wiring, weapons, tools, jewelry and electronics.