Park and ride smash and grabs

BENSALEM TWP., Pa. - March 30, 2010 They've had some simmering problems in the past, including break-ins and vandalisms but things stepped up a bit on Monday when they had 3 more break-ins and a small SUV belonging to a New Hope woman was stolen. It was later recovered by using the car's Onstar system.

Cornwells Heights is the largest park and ride in the Septa system, with 1600 spaces for rail commuters.

Thieves have been eyeing the cars commuters leave behind. State police say in the last 6 months there have been 15 to 20 reports of break-ins.

"The items that have been targeted are GPS systems, change, CD's, that sort of thing mostly small things," said Trooper Craig Acord.

On Monday an entire car was stolen as well as 3 more daylight break-ins.

The police advise hiding tempting items.

"We're recommending that you hide them somewhere out of plain sight under the seat or in the glove compartment or in the trunk as well."

Trooper Acord says it's wise to hide chargers and those window brackets that hold GPS's as well as thieves have been known to break-in thinking the actual unit is nearby.

Commuters we spoke with today say they take precautions.

Both Septa and the state police say they have stepped up surveillance in the area.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.