Thieves Steal Tools, Parts From Trucks In Westlake

WESTLAKE, OH — Police are investigating a series of thefts from car in Westlake which occurred on Thursday.

At 1 a.m. a patrolling officer saw a car with its lights on in the closed Ganley BMW parking lot. Before the officer could reach the car, it sped away.

Police then determined a catalytic converter had been cut from a truck in the parking lot. Investigators believe the suspects also tried to steal a car in the lot. They failed to steal the car, but did steal a dealer license plate.

At 9:30 a.m., police were called to a business on Detroit Road after the owners discovered someone stole a catalytic converter off a box truck in the parking lot.

At 10 a.m., police were called to another business on Detroit. Three work vans had been broken into and $10,000 in tools were stolen, police said.

"Investigators believe that all the thefts were committed by the same suspects. They are following up with evidence collected," a Westlake police spokesperson said.