Warm Weather Brings More Car Break-ins

There's a new crime trend on the rise in the Sully District—more cars are getting broken into as crooks look for costly items to steal. 

Officer Peter Katinsky, of the Crime Prevention Office in the , says that while this type of crime is a problem year-round, police have noticed a definite uptick in the last few weeks. Between May 22-28, there were 17 thefts reported in the Sully District—and several more incidents where someone rummaged through the vehicles. 

Usually thieves are on the lookout for GPS units, iPods, cell phones, computers, cash and similar items. Many of the crimes happen at night. 

Katinsky offered the following tips to help keep your things safe:

• Do not leave valuables visible from the outside. Several cars had their windows smashed open.

• Items should be removed and not just concealed.

• Lock all doors and close the windows when leaving the car, even if it’s only for a short time. About one third of the vehicles were unlocked. 

• When possible, park in a well-lit area.

• Call the police immediately if you observe any suspicious people, vehicles, or activity in your neighborhood.

"If people would follow the advice given I think we could reduce these numbers quite a bit," Katinsky said in an email.