Odenton Residents Weary Of Overnight Vehicle Break-ins

ODENTON, MD — Residents of the Piney Orchard area of Odenton believe their neighborhood is being targeted by thieves breaking into cars in the overnight. Even though the Anne Arundel County Police Department shared that December vehicle break-ins were down from 64 to 19, residents said that isn't reassuring.

"We live 100 yards away from an elementary school. This is supposed to be a safe area," Ian Carchman told WBAL.

Carchman's locked vehicle parked directly in front of their home was broken into and many personal items were stolen.

"They got our diaper bag, unfortunately. His diaper bag, his favorite book, his favorite toys, some clothes," Carchman told WBAL.

"My wallet, all our credit cards, my ID, everything. (I've) been replacing everything, but it's violating to have my whole life out there," added Marina Carchman.

The county police department's Neighbors app has video from doorbell cameras showing what's happening.

"When it comes to thefts from auto, they run the gamut. They could be smashing the vehicle window to break in and steal property, where it could just be a crime of opportunity, where the suspects walk down the street, pull on door handles, look inside the vehicle to see something of value," Anne Arundel County police spokesman Marc Limansky told WBAL.

The police department advises residents lock their car doors and place valuables out of sight so as not to entice thieves.