CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville Police Department is warning the public about a recent string of vehicle battery thefts. According to Public Information Officer Jim Knoll, there have been over 120 automotive batteries stolen in the Clarksville area since July 13. The majority were used batteries and trade-ins for new batteries that were stored outside businesses or in a caged storage area. Other batteries were removed from vehicles that had been left unsecured at a vehicle repair business lot. Police said the thieves cut cables to remove the batteries. “Clarksville is not alone when it comes to vehicle battery thefts, it occurs nationwide,” Knoll said. “The batteries can be sold for scrap (lead inside) and, in some cases, the lithium strips are removed from the battery and then can be used in the production of meth. Stolen batteries usually yield anywhere from $5-$15 per battery.” Knoll said it’s difficult to provide prevention tips since each business and personal vehicle are different. Vehicle owners should always make sure vehicles are locked and can purchase aftermarket devices to secure their hoods. Businesses can mark the used batteries to make sale more difficult and use high grade locks to secure the facility where batteries are housed.