Police Investigating Hundreds of Thefts from Auto Cases

The Harford County Sheriff's Office has responded to approximately 500 cases of thefts from automobiles this year, and officials believe the trend can be stopped with owner diligence.

As of Sept. 9, police had responded to 492 vehicle break-ins and thefts from automobiles —more than 100 incidents in July alone.

A possible cure? Owners should lock their vehicles.

While no area of the county is immune, deputies see the highest number of these incidents in more densely populated areas. For example, Bel Air, Edgewood, Aberdeen and Fallston recorded the highest numbers with a combined total of 434 incidents, officials said. The remaining areas of the county only recorded 58 incidents.

According to a release, deputies say, while suspects do search out and target specific vehicles and communities, more often than not, thefts from autos are typically crimes of opportunity.

Victims often leave their cars unlocked, with personal items clearly visible inside the passenger compartment, according to a release. Sometimes aggressive thieves will smash windows, but with that comes the risk that the noise will alert someone. So they search out unlocked vehicles.

Deputies said thieves take purses or wallets, and very quickly fraudulently misuse credit cards, hours before the victim knows they have been stolen. Additionally, suspects take phones, iPads, laptops, GPS units and other electronics from unlocked vehicles.

In an effort to prevent these incidents, deputies urge people to keep their vehicles locked and to keep valuables out of sight.

Cars should always be locked even during times when the owners are home. Deputies assigned to the Community Policing Unit say most thefts from vehicles occur while cars are parked at homes, and when asked, most vehicles owner will tell police they didn’t think it would happen to them.

Police also note that owners will often leave their car unlocked when stopping for a quick errand or at a convenience store. Deputies recommend when shopping to park in well-lit areas, and remove all valuables from the car before leaving home or secure them in the trunk of the vehicle.

Deputies also strongly remind owners it is illegal to leave their vehicle unattended with the engine running.

Police want vehicle owners to be safe and to help reduce the likelihood of them becoming victim of a crime. Awareness and diligence goes a long way towards reducing that risk.