Thieves Smashing Windows To Break Into Cars, Benicia Police Say

BENICIA, CA -- Residents of Benicia were advised this week of a recent rash of vehicle burglaries, with the culprits allegedly smashing car windows as their primary method.

Officials with the Benicia Police Department issued a statement of caution Tuesday to community members.

"Over the weekend, we received at least 10 reports of residents’ vehicles being broken into or items stolen from their vehicles in the middle of the night," police officials said, noting that most of the incidents occurred in the vicinity of Tustin Court -- off of Panorama Drive.

"We feel that this is a good time to put out a friendly reminder to our residents: Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicles, and don’t forget to lock your vehicles’ doors," the statement continued. "This type of crime is a crime of opportunity. Let’s not make it easy for criminals to victimize our community, and as always, call us if you see anything suspicious."

Elsewhere in the Bay Area, Rohnert Park issued a similar advisory Wednesday to its residents, saying its city has also experienced a recent increase in vehicle break-ins via smashed windows.

Image via Benicia Police Department