Heights Police Investigating Thefts From Unlocked Cars

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Warmer weather tends to bring an increase in crimes of opportunity.

Since the beginning of July, there have been at least seven crimes of opportunity investigated by Cleveland Heights police. Patch has compiled those incidents into two categories: thefts from unlocked cars and thefts of delivered packages.

"When it comes to thefts from vehicles, the best preventative measure to take is to lock your doors. Overwhelmingly, the majority of cars entered are unlocked," Cleveland Heights Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg told Patch.

On some occasions a thief may break a window to get into a car, but Mecklenburg said such an event is rare. Thieves only break car windows if they see something valuable inside the vehicle.

"That leads me to the second tip. Do not leave valuables in your car. However, if you have to, keep them out of sight. Perhaps put them in the trunk," she said.

Residents should also keep their driveway area well-lit, if they can.

"Probably the best way of doing this is with a motion activated light. These will only go on when someone enters the area. This will help to save on electricity and perhaps alert you to the fact that something may be happening when it comes on," Mecklenburg said.

Finally, residents should consider investing in a camera system, either a doorbell camera or a system that can be installed on a garage and resembles a floodlight.

"Many of these will alert you on your phone when activity is detected. Many of these are also reasonably priced so I would advise doing some research on the many types available to find the one that best fits your needs," Mecklenburg said.

Thefts from unlocked cars:

• 2200 block of Coventry Road — Loose change stolen on July 2
• 1200 block of Cleveland Heights Boulevard — Cash, driver's license and credit cards stolen on July 3
• 1400 block of Parkhill Road — Money stolen on July 3
• 3600 block of Blanche Road — Wallet and credit cards stolen on July 6

There was also a report of suspicious activity occurring with a resident's car on Monticello Boulevard on July 3, according to police reports. A car on Staunton Road was also damaged on July 3, police said

Package thefts:

• 1600 block of Eddington Road — Package stolen from apartment on July 3
• 3400 block of Superior Park Drive — Laptop stolen after it was delivered on July 7
• 3300 block of Beechwood Avenue — Package stolen from home

Mecklenburg shared the following tips on how to protect packages from theft.

a. Leave special instructions on where to deliver a package, such as on the side or back of the house so it is out of sight.

b. Request a Signature Delivery Option.

c. Have the package delivered to a family member or trusted friend who you know will be home., Or, if your employer permits, have the package delivered to your workplace.

d. Use a delivery company that has a tracking service so that you can monitor the package online.

e. Use the "in-store pick up" as an alternative to home delivery.