Police Remind Residents To Lock Cars After Round Of Break-Ins

Several car break-ins over the weekend have prompted renewed calls by township police for residents to lock their cars.

A message sent out by the township on Aug. 11 noted that township and area police departments have seen an up-tick in car burglaries over the past several weeks.

“In the majority of these cases the vehicles were left unsecured by the owners,” according to the message. “Burglary is largely a crime of opportunity.  It is incumbent upon residents to help lessen the opportunity for this crime can be committed.  This will in turn lessen the likelihood that you will become a victim of a burglary.”

Several car burglaries were reported over the weekend, police said.

On Aug. 8, a Main Street resident reported that he was sitting in his living room when he looked out a window and saw that his car’s interior light was on. He said he saw it turn off, after which he walked outside and saw a man walking away.

On Aug. 9, a Village Drive resident reported that someone opened their unlocked 2011 Kia Soul and removed a black iPod valued at $100.

On Aug. 10, another Village Drive resident told police that earlier that day he’d found that someone entered his car and took everything out of his glove compartment. Nothing was stolen, police said.

The township’s statement listed several ways residents can protect themselves against car burglaries:

• Ensure your vehicle is locked whenever it is unattended.
• Make sure that all valuables such as laptop computers, GPS units, and spare change are removed from the vehicle. Anything of perceived value that is left in the car in plain view can increase the likelihood of being victimized.
• Report all suspicious activity to the police department immediately, as it is occurring. A simple phone call could prevent you or your neighbor from being the next victim.

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