Rash Of Vehicle Break Ins Across Bel Air, Forest Hill Reported: Police

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Almost 30 vehicles across Bel Air and Forest Hill were broken into, rummaged through and three were even stolen this past weekend. According to the Harford County Sheriff's Office, the unlocked vehicles that had garage door openers allowed intruders immediate access to their garages.

"In the recent thefts and nearly all the incidents, the criminals were able to open unlocked cars. If a garage door opener was in the car, they were able to access the garage. In at least two incidents, keys to the car were in the car and the cars were stolen," the sheriff's office posted on its Facebook page.

The first step residents should take is to lock their vehicles, the sheriff's office noted.

"This won’t stop all criminals, but it will help. You should also remove valuables from your car or at least hide them from plain sight; hide or remove garage door openers; park in well-lit areas; and do not leave keys in your car," the sheriff's office recommended. "If you follow those simple steps, it will help reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of a crime."