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Officials say when the holidays are near, crimes like burglaries and thefts pick up -- and Colquitt County is no exception.

Both the Moultrie Police Department and the Colquitt County Sheriff's Office are investigating recent cases of property theft and burglaries that are adding up.

On Saturday a Norman Park man reported his 1991 Cadillac Deville, valued at $3,500, stolen. Moultrie Police say the car was left overnight on the side of the road due to mechanical problems.

Since Monday, the Colquitt County Sheriff's Office received three reports of missing items varying from flat screen televisions to a flatbed track worth $6,000.

Lieutenant Shannon Hart with the Colquitt County Sheriff's Office says during the time around the holidays it's not unusual to see a spike in these types of crimes because people are looking for money. Business owner Jim Soos agrees.

Soos entered his Moultrie business, Christian Books and More on Monday to find papers strewn and money missing. Soos says the thieves emptied both registers and the petty cash drawer totaling over $500.

He believes the crime is a sign of the times and says people are willing to do anything for money.

Officials say to ensure you don't become a victim, empty all registers overnight and install surveillance cameras.

For homeowners, police say keep a detailed log of all valuable equipment's serial numbers so if there ever is a theft, officials can track your items down.