Thefts From Cars Spike in January

Unusually warm temperatures weren’t the only oddity to come out of this January in North Kingstown. North Kingstown police were kept busy in the first month of 2012, investigating a record number of thefts from vehicles across town. 

According to Detective Lt. Christopher Emerson, January saw 35 reported incidents of theft from vehicles. The figure is a huge spike from previous years:  six incidents were reported in January 2011 and eight in January 2010.

“We’ve never seen it that high,” said Emerson.

The overwhelming majority of these thefts – 29, to be exact – occurred at the homes or residences of the victims and only three happened in a parking lot. In almost every case, the vehicles were unlocked. 

In incidents where the cars were locked, valuable possessions (such as phones, iPods, laptops, etc.) were visible. In those cases, the suspect(s) broke the window to enter the vehicle.

“No neighborhoods are free from activity,” said Police Chief Thomas Mulligan. “It has occurred all over town.”

Last week, North Kingstown police arrested . In those incidents, the suspects allegedly entered unlocked vehicles and stole loose change, gift cards, electronics and jewelry.

The nature of the incidents is similar to a . (Police are continuing to investigate the matter.)

“All, if not the majority, of the cars were left unlocked and that’s the number one common denominator,” said Emerson.

Residents are urged to lock and secure their vehicles before turning in for the night as well as hide or remove valuable possessions from vehicles.

As always, police are encouraging residents to contact the t at 401-294-3316 if you witness or have information regarding a theft from a motor vehicle.