HPD: Thefts From Vehicles on the Rise

Posted by Brent Finnegan on July 13th, 2009

For the second time in four months, the Harrisonburg Police Department is reporting an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles.

“Thieves are taking the opportunity to steal items from unlocked vehicles,” said Mary-Hope Gangwer Public Information Officer and Crime Analyst. “Items such as iPods, GPS navigation devices, money, pocketbooks, wallets, CD’s, and stereo systems are being taken.

Unlocked vehicles aren’t the only vehicles being violated. Many windows have been broken out and items of value, sitting in plain view have also been stolen

In April, the HPD made a similar announcement. According to the most recent release, that upward trend has continued.

There have been 182 thefts from motor vehicle incidents year to date for 2009 (Jan. 1, 2009 through July 12, 2009. In 2008, there were 151 reported incidents during the same time frame, resulting in a 21 percent increase.

6 Responses to “HPD: Thefts From Vehicles on the Rise”

  1. Bubby Hussein, Hillbilly Sheikh says:

    “Tempt not, lest ye be lifted.”

  2. Laura says:

    Our neighborhood near Purcell Park has been hit and car windows were broken to get to the things inside. They seemed to mostly hit cars parked on the street — our unlocked cars in our diveway near one of the break-ins were not bothered. (Won’t be leaving them unlocked any more!)

  3. Chris Bell says:

    I’m glad my car is a total POS covered in bird crap because there is a nest in the tree i have to park under. about the only thing worth stealing inside are some empty cigarette packs

  4. ms.griffin says:

    I’m pretty sure empty cigarette packs are not worth stealing.

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