Thefts From Vehicles On The Rise In Takoma Park: Police

TAKOMA PARK, MD — Thefts from vehicles are on the rise in Takoma Park, a police spokesperson told Patch Thursday. Takoma Park Police are warning residents to be alert and always secure their vehicles.

Here are the most recent incidents:

February 24, 2017

At about 6:50 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 300 block of Tulip Avenue for the report of a theft from auto. Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and stole property, police said.

February 23, 2017

At about 3:37 a.m., police were called to the unit block of Pine Avenue for the report of a theft from auto and destruction of property. Unknown suspect(s) broke out the victim's passenger window to his vehicle and stole property, police told Patch.

February 19, 2017

Takoma Park Police responded to the 6300 block of Westmoreland Avenue for the report of an attempt theft from auto at about 2:14 a.m.The victim's car alarm was activated and when he looked outside, he noticed a subject inside his vehicle. The subject exited the vehicle and fled on foot in an unknown direction. No property was taken from the vehicle, however, the rear driver's side window had been smashed out. Officers canvassed the area and located two other vehicles that had windows smashed out, however, property had not been stolen.

February 14, 2017

At about 7:20 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 7300 block of Takoma Avenue for the report of thefts from autos and destruction of property, police said. Sometime between February 13 at 7 p.m. and February 14 at 7 a.m., unknown suspect(s) broke out the passenger windows of three vehicles. It is unknown is property was stolen.

At approximately 8 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 700 block of Boston Avenue for the report of a theft from auto that occurred some time between February 13 at 5 p.m. and February 14 at 8 a.m. Unknown suspect(s) leaned into the window to rifle through the vehicle, police said. After meeting with this victim, two other reports were made for the same issue; another in the 700 block of Boston Avenue and the other in the 500 block of Boston Avenue. In the attempt in the 500 block of Boston Avenue, the front passenger window was broken. It appears as though no property was taken in any of the cases, police todl Patch.

Takoma Park Police provided residents with these crime prevention tips regarding thefts from autos:

• If you leave valuables in your vehicle, will they be there when you return? If someone can see it, they can steal it. So, secure your vehicle.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Unlocked cars with valuables in easy reach are as common as a window or door lock broken to gain entry.
• Many auto parts stores sell steering wheel locks which are inexpensive and are a major deterrent to vehicle 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.
• 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, call Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.

Patch File Photo