Harford County has experienced a significant increase in thefts from vehicles in the past few months, and police say there are simple things everyone can do to reduce their risk.
Across the the county, reports of thefts out of vehicles are on the rise.
“It’s a crime of opportunity,” said Sgt. Dave Betz, public information officer with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
Removable items such as iPods, GPS devices, radar detectors, wallets or purses are among frequently stolen belongings.
“They’re taking anything that can be taken out of the car and has value,” said Betz.
Visible items are more at risk, with thieves taking, “generally anything that is visible or in the glovebox,” Betz explained.
No single area of the county has been targeted, according to Betz, who said there is no geographic trend.
“It isn’t specific areas across the county, but we are seeing a concentration where there are more cars,” Betz said.
He also said, however, that residential neighborhoods and apartment or condominium complex parking lots are more likely to experience such thefts.
The crimes can be as simple as someone walking down the street checking door handles until they find an open car.
Betz said a large number of the cars were unlocked at the time things were taken from them. Just locking doors is a significant step in reducing risk.
“If you eliminate opportunities, you’re probably going to eliminate the crime,” said Betz.
Locking car doors, removing valuable items or hiding them from sight, parking off the street and parking in well lit areas were preventative measures that Betz suggested.
Rolling up windows is another important measure to take. During summer months, the effort to keep a car cool may leave a vehicle vulnerable.
“It could be seasonal only because there’s more opportunity in summer and spring, but it’s a constant issue we are dealing with,” said Betz.
While the economy may be a contributing factor to this increase in thefts, police said it isn’t the only reason.
“You can certainly blame the economy for things like this, but unfortunately there is a criminal element out there and if we make it easy, they thrive,” Betz said.
The sheriff’s office is doing several things in response to the trend.
“We have patrol shifts targeting specific areas especially at night,” Betz said.
About two weeks ago, the sheriff’s office sent out a message about thefts out of vehicles through County Connect, Harford County’s mass communication notification system.
Betz said getting the word out about the risk is important. The County Connect call and messages on the Sheriff’s Office Web site and Facebook site are part of the effort to warn the community.
“We can only do so much, we really need the community to help us on this, and help themselves,” said Betz.
Betz also reminds anyone who experiences a theft out of a vehicle to contact the sheriff’s office.
“We don’t know we’re having a problem if someone doesn’t call us,” he said.
Those contacting the sheriff’s office for a non-emergency should call 410-838-6600.