Sergeant Larry Lilly with the Sheriff's Department says they've been working extra hard since the weather broke to patrol areas seeing an increase in crime.

Sergeant Lilly says there've been reports of robberies and break-ins throughout Raleigh County, and most times, they're drug related. He says thieves are targeting businesses.

"Some of the things you can do to protect yourself are have a good working camera system, a panic alarm that can notify police without the clerk or employee or homeowner having to actually call." says Sgt. Lilly.

Anyone with information about the burglaries and robberies is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 304-255-STOP.