Increase In Thefts From Cars In Norristown, Police Say

NORRISTOWN, PA — An increase of thefts from vehicles has been reported around the Norristown area in recent days, the police department said on Wednesday.

Thefts have occurred across the municipality, and have often taken place when vehicles are left unlocked.

A smattering of recent incidents have occurred everywhere from Simmons Park, to several blocks along the east side of Markley Street, to W. Marshall Street heading out of town.

"These types of crimes are usually a crime of opportunity," police said.

Authorities issued the following recommendations to residents to protect their vehicles:

• Never leave your vehicle unattended and unlocked with the keys inside
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended if you are warming it up or running in somewhere, even for a minute
• Always lock your car doors when you leave it for any length of time-it only takes a minute for someone to go inside and take whatever they can find
• Never leave a spare key inside the vehicle
• Park your vehicle in well-lit areas if possible
• Never leave items of value inside your vehicle where they can be seen by someone walking by.