(Dec. 1, 2016) A rash of thefts from unlocked vehicles has Snow Hill police asking the public to help identify what might be a group of larcenous teenagers.
According to Snow Hill Police Chief Tom Davis, eight confirmed and at least two probable victims have reported items stolen from unlocked vehicles on Sunday night in the area of Gunby, West Federal and Ross Streets as well as South Drive.
“Someone, or a small group, stole items in plain view from unlocked cars and left,” Davis said.
Items included wallets and an envelope containing an undisclosed amount of cash.
“We’ve narrowed it to the time period around 6 p.m. on Sunday,” Davis said. “We believe there are at least two, and probably more, juveniles involved. We believe they are between the ages of 14—17, but could be as old as 18—19.”
Some members of the group could have acted as lookouts for the others while the items were removed, he said.
Davis said two of the suspects were spotted, but fled and escaped apprehension.
“We’re seeking the public’s help in locating the suspects,” he said.
Davis described the group as “African-American teens.”
“People need to lock their cars and houses. Make sure everything outside is locked, and your shed is secure. Don’t leave stuff out,” he said.
Annually, police agencies publish a list of tips for holiday security. The Ocean City Police Department recently released the following list:
• Always lock your vehicle’s doors. This is true even if you plan to be gone for “just a second” or you are only steps away from your vehicle inside your home. Thieves will often walk down a row of parked cars looking for unlocked doors.
• Never leave your windows down while you are away from the vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If items are left in your vehicle and are visible, the chances of a vehicle break-in increases dramatically.
• Place items out of sight before reaching your destination. Criminals may be watching while you hide valuables under a seat or move items to the trunk.
• Avoid leaving packages or shopping bags in plain view.
• Leave no trace of valuables in plain view. For example, remove items like suction cups used to hold GPS systems or phone chargers.
• Ensure that alarms and anti-theft devices are working. These will act as deterrents and could decrease your chances of becoming a victim.
• Never leave spare keys in your vehicle. Even if well hidden, an experienced criminal knows the best hiding places.
• Do not leave your driver’s license or title in the vehicle.
• Keep a record of the VIN number, license plate number and insurance information in your wallet or purse.
• Citizens that have become the victim of a vehicle break-in should call local police immediately. Citizens will be asked to provide a complete description of the items that were stolen and should know their vehicle’s license plate number, a detailed description of the vehicle, the VIN number and insurance information.
According to Snow Hill Police Chief Tom Davis, eight confirmed and at least two probable victims have reported items stolen from unlocked vehicles on Sunday night in the area of Gunby, West Federal and Ross Streets as well as South Drive.
“Someone, or a small group, stole items in plain view from unlocked cars and left,” Davis said.
Items included wallets and an envelope containing an undisclosed amount of cash.
“We’ve narrowed it to the time period around 6 p.m. on Sunday,” Davis said. “We believe there are at least two, and probably more, juveniles involved. We believe they are between the ages of 14—17, but could be as old as 18—19.”
Some members of the group could have acted as lookouts for the others while the items were removed, he said.
Davis said two of the suspects were spotted, but fled and escaped apprehension.
“We’re seeking the public’s help in locating the suspects,” he said.
Davis described the group as “African-American teens.”
“People need to lock their cars and houses. Make sure everything outside is locked, and your shed is secure. Don’t leave stuff out,” he said.
Annually, police agencies publish a list of tips for holiday security. The Ocean City Police Department recently released the following list:
• Always lock your vehicle’s doors. This is true even if you plan to be gone for “just a second” or you are only steps away from your vehicle inside your home. Thieves will often walk down a row of parked cars looking for unlocked doors.
• Never leave your windows down while you are away from the vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If items are left in your vehicle and are visible, the chances of a vehicle break-in increases dramatically.
• Place items out of sight before reaching your destination. Criminals may be watching while you hide valuables under a seat or move items to the trunk.
• Avoid leaving packages or shopping bags in plain view.
• Leave no trace of valuables in plain view. For example, remove items like suction cups used to hold GPS systems or phone chargers.
• Ensure that alarms and anti-theft devices are working. These will act as deterrents and could decrease your chances of becoming a victim.
• Never leave spare keys in your vehicle. Even if well hidden, an experienced criminal knows the best hiding places.
• Do not leave your driver’s license or title in the vehicle.
• Keep a record of the VIN number, license plate number and insurance information in your wallet or purse.
• Citizens that have become the victim of a vehicle break-in should call local police immediately. Citizens will be asked to provide a complete description of the items that were stolen and should know their vehicle’s license plate number, a detailed description of the vehicle, the VIN number and insurance information.