NASHUA — A city alderman was one of several people whose vehicles were targeted by thieves earlier this week.

Police are warning residents to be vigilant about the problem, which is sometimes frequent in the city although it can be easily deterred.

Alderman-at-Large James Donchess discovered Tuesday morning that both of his cars were broken into either late Monday night or early Tuesday.

“I left both cars unlocked, unfortunately, and in the morning we found everything disheveled and a car door still open,” said Donchess.

About $10 in change for the local parking meters was stolen from each car, he said, adding he was lucky that nothing of significant value was stored in the vehicles.

Donchess, who lives on Rockland Street, said other cars in the vicinity were also targeted.

Now the city alderman and former mayor is reminding residents to lock their car doors at all times — especially during the overnight hours.

Police Capt. James Lima agreed, saying burglars will go from car to car trying to open doors throughout the night. If a car door is locked, they will move on to the next vehicle until they are lucky and one opens for them, he said.

“It is a crime of opportunity,” said Lima, explaining that cash and small electronics such as GPS devices that can be easily stored in a jacket are often stolen.

It is not uncommon for individuals to leave their cars unlocked, according to Lima, who stressed that locking car doors is an easy habit and can be highly effective.

“My best advice is to keep car doors locked and park cars closest to the house, not at the end of a driveway,” said Lima.

Anyone experiencing thefts from motor vehicles is urged to report the incident to police at 594-3500.

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