Thieves Using Unlocked Cars, Houses to Grab Laptops and Cash

Lock your doors, West Des Moines, thieves are stealing laptops and other valuables from unlocked cars and houses.

Lt. Jim Barrett, spokesman for the West Des Moines Police Department, said Friday that officers taken numerous burglary reports that involve unlocked cars, garages and residences.

The crimes of opportunity include:

• 6200 block of Beechtree Drive, a laptop was stolen from an unlocked vehicle sometime between 12:30 and 7:41 a.m. on July 26.

• 300 block of 57th Court, a purse, wallet and keys were taken from a residence. The suspect entered through an unlocked patio door between 2 and 7 a.m. on July 26.

• 5900 block of Applewood Drive, a resident found three men in her garage at 3:30 a.m. They had entered by using the garage door opener taken from the victim’s unlocked vehicle in her driveway. The three suspects left the area on foot. 

• 5900 block of Applewood Drive, an iPod and $50 were stolen from an unlocked vehicle sometime between 5 p.m. on July 25 and 8:30 a.m. on July 26.

"These are crimes of opportunity, so it is important that everyone lock their vehicles and houses, while making sure the overhead garage door is closed and all side doors are secured," Barrett said. "It is also important not to leave any valuables in unlocked vehicles or in plain sight in locked vehicles. Criminals can also gain entry to your home by entering your locked or unlocked vehicle that has a remote garage door opener."

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