VIDALIA — Following six residential and vehicle break ins in Vidalia in three weeks, Police Chief Joey Merrill said residents should be especially wary during holidays.

“Usually, crime is heightened in the holidays,” Merrill said. “We are increasing patrols around neighborhoods.”

Merrill said two men have been arrested in connection to the six burglaries reported this month and that more arrests are pending.

He said no further information was available since the thefts are still under investigation.

During the holidays, Merrill said, many people are traveling, which leaves cars and residences empty. This gives would-be criminals several targets to choose from if the residences are not properly locked.

Keeping curtains and blinds closed makes it difficult to tell if anyone is home, Merrill said, and locking any lawn equipment or outdoor items of value in a storage building deters theft.

Merrill said to keep car doors locked and valuable items such as wallets, purses, checkbooks, shopping bags or purchased goods out of sight while shopping.

A phishing phone call has been reported in the Vidalia area and Merrill said residents should not divulge any personal information through a phone call claiming to be a sheriff or police department.

“The person will receive a call saying their grandson is in jail and they can only bail them out if they send money then,” Merrill said. “That’s not true.”

If someone was arrested, Merrill said, the police department would not request money over the phone.

Merrill said these phone calls happen year-round, but that they often increase during the holiday season.

“If you do think somebody is in trouble, call the office the caller is claiming to be and ask,” Merrill said. “Do not give your personal information to a caller.”

Reports of phishing phone calls, he said, often originate outside of the country but claim to be from neighboring parishes or states.

If the caller is located within the parish, Merrill said his office investigates. Otherwise, the incident is investigated by federal authorities.

Merrill said he is increasing officer patrols in residential areas and that if anyone in the community hears or sees anything suspicious, he or she should call the Vidalia Police Department at (318) 336-5254.