COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - As the heat starts to rise, so does property crime. According to the U.S Bureau of Justice Statistics, property crimes increase by nearly 10% in the summer months.

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office recently shared this photo of a red four-wheeler on social media asking for the public’s help.

Detectives said they are seeking two white men, believed to be in their early 20s. The sheriff’s office said they were last seen riding the four-wheeler near the Green Acres area. The four-wheeler was originally reported stolen from McKinnon Road and was later recovered near Ramblewood.

Stories like these are all too common in multiple counties. Law enforcement said unlocked sheds are being targeted, but anything that is left outside and not locked up is an opportunity for someone to steal it.

One victim of theft said, “I have a gated house and someone still kind of walked into our driveway and broke into one of our cars.”

This victim said she has been a victim of crime multiple times, loosing her ID, credit cards and other valuables.

“So nothing is really safe, but luckily, that day nothing important got taken. But if they want to do it, they will,” she said.

Coffee County Sherriff Fred Cole credits community tips with helping recover stolen items and identifying suspects.

“People talk...and that is where you can hit the masses — on Facebook. Everybody wants to be able to help, and they do. Facebook is a big tool for us to be able to solve these crimes,” he said.

There are multiple facts during the summer that can contribute to the theft of law mowers, four-wheelers and other outdoor recreational equipment.

“Mainly people [being] out of school, not a lot of people working: opportunities exist,” Cole said. “We get a lot of children with more time on their hands, and some of them want to be a little more mischievous.”

If you have any information that could lead to the identification or arrest of the individuals accused of stealing the four-wheeler, CCSO asks you to submit a tip through their mobile app or online at coffeesheriffga.gov.

Here are a few ways you can protect property from theft:

• Lock your doors, gates, and garages
• Remove the keys from anything with a motor
• Install working cameras
• Write down the serial number to any of your valuables

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