Lincoln County detectives are investigating a string of recent vehicle break-ins in the Startown area.

Reports say thieves have made off with wallets and purses containing money, credit cards, and personal items from cars at church parking lots and in residential areas since Sunday.

Most of the vehicles targeted were unlocked according to officials.

Authorities say thieves have a tendency to break into unlocked vehicles because they want to get in and out of the area as quick as possible.

At one of the break-in locations, a suspicious vehicle described as a dark-colored SUV with New York license plates was seen.

In break-ins reported today in Lincoln County, thieves made off with firearms and laptop computers while the vehicles were parked at separate residences.

Officers remind you to ‘lock it or lose it’- always lock your vehicle.

Most of the time, this will deter a thief.

Don’t leave valuables in plain view, and do not leave personal identification in your car that could be used later to commit identity theft.

Anyone having information about the Lincoln break ins should call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-735-8202.

McDowell County authorities continue their search for a missing Old Fort man.

40-year-old Joseph Mark Loftis of Lavender Road was reported missing by family members on Thanksgiving Day.

Since that time, reports say investigators have exhausted multiple leads and now need the public’s help in locating him.

Loftis is a white male, is 6 feet 5 inches tall, and has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone having information about his whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.