3 Cars Stolen From Westlake Homes, Police Urge Vigilance

WESTLAKE, OH — Three cars have been stolen out of driveways in Westlake in recent weeks. Criminals have also been snatching purses and change from unlocked cars police said.

Thefts from vehicles started Aug. 29 and have continued into September. Police have dealt with at least 10 reported thefts from cars. Most of the thefts occurred overnight on Westhill, Belmont, East Melrose, Framingham and Berringer Run.

It appears all targeted cars were unlocked and parked in driveways, police said. Two open garages were also rifled through by criminals.

However, three cars have also been stolen out of driveways.

On Aug. 30, a Mercedes was taken from a home on Framingham. That same night, a GMC Yukon was stolen from a driveway on Meadow Lane and a Ford truck was stolen from a home on Clague Road.

The Ford was later found in the area of W. 70th and Camden in Cleveland. The Mercedes was recovered in a lot on Garden Valley Avenue in Cleveland. Investigators searched the vehicles for evidence and are perusing surveillance footage from the areas.

On Aug. 30, a caller reported seeing a suspicious man in their Westlake neighborhood. When police surveyed the area, they found a stolen Kia Forte parked on East Melrose. The car had been reported stolen by a Cleveland resident.

Officers processed the car and then returned it to its owner.

It appears that all the vehicles involved had been taken with their doors unlocked and keys inside.