Charges For Man Linked To Trio Of Falmouth Car Break-Ins

FALMOUTH, MA — The latest instance of a vehicle break-in in Falmouth led to charges against one local man, but also prompted police to remind residents about a simple tip to avoid this: Locking their car.

A Scranton Avenue resident called police at 4:15 a.m. on Monday to report her vehicle had just been broken into. While officers were en route, a description was given out of a male suspect.

Upon arrival in the area, the suspect was quickly located and detained, police said. The on-scene investigation led to the arrest of Donald J. Goulart II, 33, of Falmouth.

Goulart is linked to additional motor vehicle breaks in the area, police said. He is charged with three counts of felony breaking and entering into a vehicle in the nighttime, possessing burglarious instruments and receiving stolen property under $1,200.

This was the latest opportunity for police to remind residents to lock their cars after dark, and they took the moment to share a helpful routine they referred to as the "9 p.m. Routine".

• Take your keys. Don’t leave them in your vehicle
• Close all windows and lock all doors
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle
• Anything stored inside your vehicle should be out of sight or in the trunk
• Never leave credit cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight
• Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible
• Park in visible areas where your vehicle is not hidden by foliage or larger vehicles
• Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
• Get in the routine of double-checking that your vehicle is locked and secure each night around 9 p.m.