(Belleville) – KTRS

A father and son have been charged with a series of thefts from vehicles and a couple of stolen cars as well.

The St. Clair County State’s Attorney office charged 40-year old Robert Scales and his 20-year old son, Jordan Scales, for the crimes which included stealing a car In Mascoutah on the 4th of July and also a vehicle stolen in the city of Freeburg, Illinois.

Police say the thefts from vehicles were crimes of opportunity as all the vehicles involved were unlocked and many had keys in them.

Chief of Investigations, Captain Bruce Fleshren, said “All the vehicles involved in these vehicle entries and thefts were unlocked and many had keys in them. I, and the police departments everywhere, cannot stress how important it is to lock your vehicle and remove valuables where ever you live. Most of these crimes are crimes of opportunity, and if you remove that opportunity with a locked door you lower chances of being a victim.”

Both of the Scales are in custody.