About half of the week's traffic stops have taken place on side roads and residential streets off of New Hampshire Avenue, as officers are focusing on a problem of auto theft and larceny from auto, especially in the X7 and X8 beats (Ward 6). During the past week, more than 10 reports were taken in this area related to auto thefts, attempts, and recovery of vehicles stolen in other jurisdictions.
Residents are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious behavior to 301/270-1100. Examples of suspicious behavior related to auto theft are:
- someone quickly parking a car and getting into another waiting vehicle,
- poorly parked cars not regularly seen in the area,
- a stranger changing tags on a car, or
- a vehicle with multiple riders slowly cruising an area.
If you see someone "drop" a vehicle and hurry to a waiting vehicle, it is useful to provide a description of the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, distinctive elements like body damage and -- ideally -- a license plate number.
Only one of the vehicles recently stolen in this area was reported to have secondary auto theft security in operation at the time of the theft. A steering wheel lock (often called a "club") is an excellent deterrent to vehicle theft. The Takoma Park Police are offering these locks for $10, a substantial discount from the retail cost. They are available on weekday at the Administrative Office or on weekends from the Communications Dispatcher (exact amount only on weekends).
For more information or to arrange a community meeting with a COP Team officer, contact Sgt. Gilbert at 301/891-7124.
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT Dec. 23 - 29, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly
This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Arrests:
On December 27, 2005, at 6:15pm, in the 900 blk. of Merrimac Dr., an adult male was arrested and charged with shoplifting. 05-15899
Crime Reports
On December 23, 2005, between 3:00am and 7:00am, in the 7800 blk. of Cole Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 2005 Scion truck. 05-15757
On December 23, 2005, between 8:00am and 7:00pm, in the 6400 blk. of Sligo Mill Rd., an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 1995 Honda Civic. 05-15783
On December 24, 2005, between 3:10am and 3:15am, in the 1000 blk. of University Blvd., an auto theft occurred. The owner left his 1992 Nissan Sentra with the key in the ignition with the engine running and unattended. 05-15792
Between December 24, 2005, at 1200am and December 26, 2005, at 8:37am, in the 7500 blk. of New Hampshire Avenue, a burglary occurred. The unknown person broke the storefront window and entered the building, then stole the victim’s property. 05-15837
Between December 23, 2005, at 9:00pm and December 25, at 4:00am, in the 7400 blk. of New Hampshire Avenue, an auto theft occurred. The method of theft used to steal the 1993 Plymouth Voyager minivan was unknown. 05-15845
Between December 23, 2005, at 4:00pm and December 25, 2005, at 7:45pm, in the 7300 blk. of Wildwood Dr., an attempt auto theft occurred. The person attempted to steal the victim’s 1999 Jeep Cherokee by damaging the door lock and breaking the ignition. 05-15846
On December 26, 2005, at 9:23pm, in the 7800 blk. of Cole Avenue a stolen 2002 Isuzu XL7 truck was recovered. The two suspects used the vehicle’s keys to steal the vehicle. The suspects fled from a Takoma Park Officer after a brief pursuit. No Arrests were made. 05-15863
On December 27, 2005, between 12:00pm and 3:00 pm, in the 7300 blk. of New Hampshire Avenue, an auto theft occurred. The method of theft used to steal the 2002 GMC Yukon truck was unknown. 05-15878
On December 27, 2005, at 10:30am, in the 1000 blk. of Larch Avenue, an auto theft occurred. The method of theft used to steal the 1996 Ford Mustang was unknown. 05-15883
Between December 27, 2005, at 8:00pm and December 28, 2005, at 6:10am, an auto theft occurred in the 7300 blk. of New Hampshire Avenue. The method of theft used to the steal the 1994 Acura was unknown. 05-15917
Between December 23, 2005 at 12:00pm and December 29, 2005, at 9:38am, in the 700 blk. of Chaney Dr., an auto theft occurred. The method of theft used to steal the 1995 Dodge Caravan was unknown. 05-15960
End
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Dec. 16 - 22, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly
This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Arrests:
On December 18 at 11:27 pm in the 8000 block of Flower Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving while Impaired by Alcohol and Driving without a License. 05-15583
On December 16 at 12:14 am in the 1000 block of East West Highway, an adult male was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Assault, Disorderly conduct and Disorderly Intoxication. 05-15513
On December 18 at 2:20 am in the 7300 block of Takoma Avenue, an adult female and two adult males were arrested anc charged with Possession of CDS and Possession of CDS Paraphernalia. 05-15585
Arrests (cont'd):
On December 18 at 11:41 am in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for a 2nd Degree Assault. 05-15597
On December 18 at 8:48 pm at the intersection of Wildwood Drive and Lancaster Avenue, three juvenile males were arrested and charged with Attempted Armed Robbery, 1st Degree Assault and 2nd Degree Assault after an adult male reported that he had been confronted by four subjects in the 7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue. They demanded money and threatened to hit him with sticks. When the victim refused and ran, one of the subjects followed him, displaying a gun and demanding his money. The victim again ran off and noticed a police officer in a parked cruiser and ran to him for help. Three of the subjects were apprehended. 05-15613
On December 18 at 8:55 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant for Failure to Appear in Court on a charge of Theft Less than $100. 05-11220
Crime Reports
On December 16, between 2:00 pm and 2:05 pm, in the 1000 block of Larch Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 2002 Jeep Liberty. 05-15516
Between December 21 at 5:00 pm and December 22 at 5:45 am in the 200 block of Hodges Lane, an auto theft was attempted. A window was pried open and the ignition in the 1997 Honda Civic was damaged. 05-15720
On December 22 at 7:08 am in the 7700 block of Greenwood Avenue, an auto theft occurred. The owner left the her 2004 Honda CRV with the key in the ignition, engine running, doors unlocked and unattended. 05-15722
Between December 21 at 6:30 pm and December 22 at 8:00 am in the 7100 block of Cedar Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 1996 Plymouth Voyager. 05-15724
End
Wed. Dec. 21, 6:10 p.m.
Takoma Park Police are seeking the public's help in identifying two
suspects in a Wednesday morning robbery in the 1300 block of University
Blvd. East.
A businessman had just entered the shared lobby outside his shop when
an armed suspect pushed behind him and demanded he open the other
business, a check cashing operation. A second suspect followed holding a
weapon to a third person. The businessman said he couldn't open the
other store, giving his keys to the suspects. When the suspects were
unable to open the check cash store, they took property from the
businessman and the second victim.
The suspects fled in an older, faded maroon car with Maryland license
plates beginning MNH or MHN. One suspect is described as a Hispanic
male, 5'6" tall, 170 pounds with a medium complexion. The second is a
Hispanic male, about 5'10" tall, 200 pounds, medium complexion wearing a
dark baseball cap and dark jacket.
Anyone with information which would help to identify or locate the two
suspects should call Takoma Park Police at 301/270-1100. The police
also would like to interview the second victim, who left before police
arrived, to gain additional information about the incident.
Anyone with information leading to an arrest in this armed robbery may
be eligible for a $1,000 reward from Montgomery County Crime Solvers. As
always, callers to Crime Solvers never need to leave their name, just
the information. If the anonymous tip leads to the identity, arrest and
indictment of the person(s) responsible, the caller will receive a cash
reward of up to$1,000 from the Crime Solvers organization. Call Crime
Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-800-673-2777 or the Takoma Park Police
at 301/270-1100.
# # #
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Dec. 9 - 15, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Arrests:
On December 12 at 4:08 am in the 7700 block of Garland Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was also served with an open Montgomery County warrant for Failure to Appear in court on a charge of Open Alcohol Container. 05-15373
On December 12 at 1:32 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open warrant from Montgomery County for Failure to Pay a Fine for a Disorderly Conduct conviction. 05-15392
Crime Reports
On December 9, between 2:33 am and 9:00 am in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, a commercial burglary occurred. It is unknown how entry to the business was gained. Property was stolen. 05-15395
On December 9, between 7:40 pm and 7:43 pm in the 1400 block of Erskine Street, an auto theft occurred. The owner of the 2002 Chevrolet conversion van left his car running, unlocked and unattended in his driveway. 05-15299
Between December 11 at 5:30 pm and December 12 at 7:00 am in the unit block of Darwin Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown which method was used to steal the 2005 Chevrolet Impala. 05-15376
Between December 11 at 11:00 pm and December 12 at 9:00 am in the 7100 block of Central Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 2002 Chevrolet Ventura. 05-15381
Between November 26 at 1:00 pm and December 11 at 8:00 pm in the 7300 block of Wildwood Drive, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 1998 Ford Taurus. 05-15440
End
Six residential burglaries have occurred at homes in the V Sector, running the length of the D.C. border, since Nov. 1. Suspects have been seen in two of the incidents:
- A black male, 14-15 years old, 5'9", 130 lbs., small build and dark complected is the suspect in a burglary in the 7100 block of Maple Avenue on November 21, about 1:30 p.m. The suspect was confronted by a resident and fled, leaving property he appeared to be trying to steal. Access appears to have been gained through unlocked rear doors.
- A black male, late 40s to early 50s, 5'9", 165 lbs., with curly black and greying hair, light skinned and wearing dark coveralls or snowsuit, is sought in conjunction with a burglary Dec. 13, about 2:50 p.m. in the 7300 block of Holly. Entry was gained by kicking in a rear basement door and property was taken. The suspect was seen walking from the backyard towards the street and greeted the homeowner who passed by him.
Both burglaries occurred during the day. Residents seeing individuals matching these descriptions or behaving suspiciously are encouraged to call the Takoma Park Police at 301/270-1100.
It was unclear whether property was taken in two incidents in which side or basement doors were used for entry by unknown suspects. These occurred in the unit block of Pine Avenue on Dec. 2 and the 6700 block of Eastern Avenue on Dec. 3. In one a side door was pried open. In the other a door had a broken hinge but the manner of breaking was undetermined.
On Nov. 17, an unknown suspect removed an air conditioner from a window and took sneakers and sports jerseys from a home in the unit block of Philadelphia Avenue. On Nov. 5, residents entered their newly purchased home in the 500 block of Albany Avenue and found property not belonging to them. No forced entry was noted. A suspect has been identified in this incident.
Residents are cautioned to lock doors and windows, whether they are at home or away. Report suspicious behavior at the time of the incident. In a home security survey, an officer will survey your home, review your security habits, and make recommendations to increase the security of your home. For this free service, contact TPPD at Communications Dispatch 301/270-1100 or the COP Team directly, 301/891-7124.
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Dec. 2 - 8, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Arrests:
On December 2 at 10:54 am in the 7400 block of Baltimore Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for 4th Degree Burglary. 05-15027
On December 4 at 11:30 am in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County Warrant for Failure to Appear in Court on a charge of Disorderly Conduct. 05-15121
Arrests:(cont'd)
On December 5 at 1:36 am in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, an adult male was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Trespassing and Failure to Obey a Reasonable & Lawful Order of a Police Office 05-15144
Crime Reports
Between December 1 at 6:00 pm and December 2 at 7:15 am in the unit block of Walnut Avenue, an auto theft was attempted. The 1995 Jeep was entered through an unlocked door. The ignition and steering column were damaged. 05-15016
On December 2, between 10:00 am and 11:25 am in the unit block of Pine Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. A side door was pried open to gain entry. Property was taken. 05-15030
On December 2, between 12:12 pm and 1:57 pm in the 6400 block of Orchard Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown how the 2004 Ford F250XLT was stolen. 05-15038
On December 3 between 12:30 am and 7:30 am eight incidents of vandalism were reported. Seven in the 7000 and 7300 blocks of Carroll Avenue to commercial establishments and one to a residential property in the 7500 block of Carroll Avenue. Graffiti was painted on exterior walls. None were gang related. 05-15071 thru 15077 & 05-15080
On December 2, between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm in the 6700 block of Eastern Avenue, a residential burglary occurred. It is unknown how entry was gained. No property was reported stolen. 05-15087
On December 4, at 9:22 pm in the 1000 block of University Blvd., an auto theft occurred. The owner of a 1999 Plymouth Neon saw a subject drive off in his car. It is unknown which method was used to steal the car. The subject was described as a black male. 05-15139
On December 5 at 10:45 pm in the 6600 block of Westmoreland Avenue an auto theft occurred. The victim saw her car being driven away by a subject. It is unknown which method was used to steal the 1997 GMC Safari. The victim could not give a description of the subject. 05-15169
On December 6 between 1:30 pm and 2:41 pm in the 800 block of Hayward Avenue, an auto theft was attempted. The driver’s side door lock and the ignition of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee were damaged in the attempt. 05-15188
On December 6 at 11:00 pm in the 200 block of Ethan Allen Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown which method was used to steal the 2005 Chevrolet Express Van. 05-15218
Between December 7 at 10:00 pm and December 8 at 5:00 am in the unit block of Elm Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown which method was used to steal the 1999 Honda Civic. 05-15245
End
TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Nov. 24 - Dec. 1, 2005
Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly
This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department
Crime Prevention Tip: Theft from auto remains a concern to residents and police. Valuables should be removed from parked vehicles, especially when the vehicle is parked overnight. Report suspicious behavior to 301/270-1100.
Arrests
On November 23 at 10:48 pm in the 8000 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for Failure to Appear in court on a charge of Forgery and Uttering. 05-14720
On November 28 at 12:49 am in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue a criminal citation for Disorderly Intoxication was issued to an adult male. 05-14856
Arrests(cont'd):
On November 28 at 10:30 am in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult female was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for Failure to Appear in Court on a charge of Possession of CDS. 05-14868
On November 29 at 12:00 pm in the 7500 block of Maple Avenue, an adult male was arrested on an open Montgomery County warrant for Failure to Appear in Court on a charge of non payment of child support. 05-14915
On November 29 at 12:04 pm in the 1100 block of University Blvd., a criminal citation for theft was issued to an adult male. 05-14916
Crime Reports
Between November 24 at 12:00 pm and November 25 at 6:30 am in the 700 block of Auburn Avenue, an auto theft was attempted. It is unknown how entry to the 2005 Jeep Liberty was gained. The ignition was damaged. 05-14783
Between November 26 at 9:00 pm and November 27 at 1:40 am in the 8600 block of Flower Avenue, an auto theft occurred. The owner of the 1989 Chevrolet van left the keys in the ignition and the engine running. 05-14824
Between November 26 at 7:30 pm and November 27 at 2:00pm in the 700 block of Hudson Avenue, an auto theft occurred. It is unknown what method was used to steal the 1994 Honda Accord. 05-14842
Between November 28 at 7:30 pm and November 29 at 8:00 am in the 6500 block of 2nd Avenue, an auto theft was attempted. A door lock and the ignition were damaged. Property was taken. 05-14909
End