Libby Police Chief Jim Smith has a message for residents: Lock your cars.

During the City Council meeting Monday, Smith told city leaders his officers filed 243 case reports in January, which reflected an increase from previous months. Citations also increased to 38 as were arrests at 28.

“We’re seeing a trend in thefts,” Smith said. “This is not only in the city but in the county, too. We’re seeing cars that are unlocked are being rifled through. It’s a definite uptick. I would urge all our residents to lock their cars at night. Also, lock their cars when they go to the grocery store. There are people out there who are committing misdemeanor theft.”

Mayor Doug Roll echoed those sentiments Wednesday, urging all residents to be mindful to lock their vehicles.

“I don’t know if it’s just this time of the year or what, but there has been a surge in this,” Roll said.

Smith also asked the City Council for permission to submit a request to purchase two new police cruisers, now that the 2010 models purchased four years ago are paid off.

“It’s really time to retire these vehicles,” Smith said.

Smith said he wanted to purchase the cars locally, citing bids for two Ford Police Interceptor models available from Timberline Auto Center.

Smith said he has secured a 1.75 percent loan from Glacier Bank for the cars, which outfitted would cost about $30,000 a car.

“Ford’s been good to us,” Smith said. “I want to keep it local.”