Throughout the month of June, the City of Takoma Park has experienced an increase in thefts from vehicles. Between Wednesday June 10 and Tuesday June 23, 11 thefts from vehicles occurred. All incidents took place overnight between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The break-in and thefts occurred in the following areas:
7000 block of Westmoreland Avenue
6500 block of Second Avenue
300 block of Tulip Avenue
500 and 600 blocks of Elm Avenue
400 block of Lincoln Avenue
900 block of Larch Avenue
400 block of Circle Avenue
700 block of Sligo Creek Parkway
7600 block of Dundalk Avenue
To obtain entry, suspect(s) broke a vehicle window in five cases, pried a door lock in two cases and opened an unlocked door in four cases. Targeted property included car stereos, CD players, cash and GPS devices. Most recent thefts involved a stolen air bag and theft of a handgun. Five of the 11 vehicles were Honda products.
There is suspect and suspect vehicle information for these thefts as follows:
- Two black males, mid-30’s, wearing black skull caps and driving a red Mazda with spoiler and tinted windows.
- Unknown subjects driving a Gold or Silver Honda bearing Tag number 5EMP69 (stolen through Prince George’s County).
The Chief has placed extra patrols in the areas and is working closely with Montgomery County and Prince George’s County police on these thefts.
Detective Mary Jo Mitchell is the detective assigned to these cases. Should you have information, please contact Detective Mitchell at 301.891.7111 or you can call the Takoma Park Police Department at 301.270.1100.
Below are safety tips to take into consideration:
If you leave valuables in your vehicle, will they be there when you return? If they can see it, they can steal it. So, secure it!
Theft from auto can occur at any time, from any vehicle. Often, valuables left in a car are taken during the night, but daytime thefts can occur on busy streets, with nobody reporting any suspicious behavior.
What Property Is Stolen? The following items, although not all-inclusive, should be taken into your home, or you risk them being taken by thieves: cellular phones, money, purse, wallet, briefcases, CDs, iPods, portable GPS systems, laptop computers and sports equipment. Auto parts are also taken, including a vehicle’s license plate.
How? Method of entry varies too. Unlocked cars with valuables in easy reach are as common as a window or door lock broken to gain entry.
Deterrents:
Vehicle Theft: Many auto parts stores sell steering wheel locks which are inexpensive; these are a major deterrent to vehicle theft.
For License Plate Theft: a unique screw, which requires a special tool to release the license plate, is available from auto parts stores. The cost can be as low as $4.
What you can do:
Lock doors and close windows completely.
Remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them in the trunk where they are out of sight.
Do not leave electronic devices or accessories visible. (A cigarette lighter plug or cassette adapter are tell-tale signs of valuables in the car. Replace the lighter when exiting the vehicle.)
Do not leave money in the car.
Park in your garage, if you have one, or in a well-lit area.
Install "tapered" door lock or an anti-theft device that has a visible indicator.
Aid to Recovery: Some valuables can't be taken out of the vehicle, such as a stereo or speakers. When installing custom sound equipment, record the serial numbers and/or engrave your driver's license on the items before installation. If stolen, those numbers could make a difference in locating and recovering the property, and prosecuting the thieves.
If you see suspicious activity, on the street or in a parking lot, or to report any theft from your vehicle, please call Takoma Park Police at 301/270-1100.