Throughout the months of March and April, the City of Takoma Park has experienced an increase in thefts from vehicles. Between March 15 and April 16, 12 thefts from vehicles occurred. All incidents took place at various times throughout the days/evenings. The break-in and thefts occurred in the following areas:
1300 block of Elson Place
7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue
400 block of Elm Avenue
500 block of Tulip Avenue
7600 block of Maple Avenue
6400 block of Eastern Avenue
7500 block of Holly Avenue
400 block of Beech Avenue
7500 block of Takoma Avenue
6400 block of Kansas Lane
1100 block of Linden Avenue
6700 block of Poplar Avenue
To obtain entry, suspect(s) broke vehicle windows in five cases, pried a door lock in one case and opened unlocked car doors in six cases.
Below are safety tips to take into consideration:
If you leave valuables in your vehicle, will they be there when you return? If they can see it, they can steal it. So, secure it!
Theft from auto can occur at any time, from any vehicle. Often, valuables left in a car are taken during the night, but daytime thefts can occur on busy streets, with nobody reporting any suspicious behavior.
What Property Is Stolen? The following items, although not all-inclusive, should be taken into your home, or you risk them being taken by thieves: cellular phones, money, purse, wallet, briefcases, CDs, iPods, portable GPS systems, laptop computers and sports equipment. Auto parts are also taken, including a vehicle’s license plate.
How? Method of entry varies too. Unlocked cars with valuables in easy reach are as common as a window or door lock broken to gain entry.
Deterrents:
Vehicle Theft: Many auto parts stores sell steering wheel locks which are inexpensive; these are a major deterrent to vehicle theft.
For License Plate Theft: a unique screw, which requires a special tool to release the license plate, is available from auto parts stores. The cost can be as low as $4.
What can you do to help? Secure your vehicles. Do not leave valuables in your vehicles. Call if you see something suspicious – do not take action as you are only putting yourself in danger. Our detectives/officers and crime analyst are working to identify suspects and to run down leads. Please call if you have any information which might help us. No lead is too trivial.
Lock doors and close windows completely.
Remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them in the trunk where they are out of sight.
Do not leave electronic devices or accessories visible. (A cigarette lighter plug or cassette adapter are tell-tale signs of valuables in the car. Replace the lighter when exiting the vehicle.)
Do not leave money in the car.
Park in your garage, if you have one, or in a well-lit area.
Install "tapered" door lock or an anti-theft device that has a visible indicator.
Aid to Recovery: Some valuables can't be taken out of the vehicle, such as a stereo or speakers. When installing custom sound equipment, record the serial numbers and/or engrave your driver's license on the items before installation. If stolen, those numbers could make a difference in locating and recovering the property, and prosecuting the thieves.
If you see suspicious activity, on the street or in a parking lot, or to report any theft from your vehicle, please call Takoma Park Police at 301.270.1100.
Working together, we can make a difference!
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