Prowler Steals from Unlocked Cars on Westlake, Police Want Help ID'ing Suspect

WESTLAKE, OH - In the early morning hours of Nov. 18, a prowler, or multiple prowlers, rummaged through a number of unlocked cars parked on Mendelssohn Drive, Beethoven Drive, Brahms Drive, and Queens Court. The thief made off with a cigar cutter, knife, lighter, cash, prescription medication, credit and gift cards, sunglasses and hockey sticks were taken.

An area resident’s CCTV system caught one suspect trying the doors on his locked cars. The time would be approximately 4:10 a.m. on Nov. 18. The suspect is believed to be around 5'9" 160 pounds. He is wearing a cap with earflaps, a hooded sweatshirt with a semi-circular logo on the front, a drawstring bag with a very distinctive design, and two-tone tennis shoes.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect should call Westlake PD at 440.871.3311.

In early October, police are reminding citizens to lock their cars and to move all valuable into their home or office after parking, following a series of break-ins throughout the city.

In a message posted to the city's website, officers said, "We’ve had several incidents of auto thefts that were crimes of opportunity … the keys were left in the car. Always remove your keys and valuables from your vehicles and lock your vehicles. At home, be sure to lock all the garage doors and take the car keys inside. Some of these cars were stolen out of the owner's garage."

Photo from Westlake Police