Crestwood Police Department Seeing Rise in Thefts from Cars

There's been a rise in the number of thefts from cars, according to the . Deputy Chief of Police Frank Arnoldy said  there have been 14 thefts reported since July 1. Most, he said, were thefts from cars that had been left unlocked.

Arnoldy said these kinds of thefts at this time of year are not uncommon.

“This is a consistent kind of thing that happens every year," Arnoldy said. "A couple of weeks before school goes back, we often have people rooting through cars.”

Arnoldy added that the thefts usually decrease once the school year starts.

Arnoldy said that items that have been reported stolen include GPS devices, sunglasses and loose change from cars. While the majority of thefts have been in residential areas, some have occurred in business areas.

“These seem to have been more random than in past years,” Arnoldy said. “In the past you could follow a trail of thefts where somebody, maybe a group of kids, walked from here to there. This year they've kind of been all over the place.”

Crestwood police have increased patrols in the subdivisions and are paying close attention to people on foot. Crestwood Police also have contacted Crestwood residents about the matter.

“We put out a reverse 911 call to all our residents to be sure to lock their cars and be sure to call us if they see anything suspicious," Arnoldy said.

Above all, Arnoldy and Crestwood police have a message for Crestwood residents: “Please. Lock. Your. Cars. Every night. Every time. Year round.” Arnoldy said. “Lock your cars.”