Rash of car break-ins, thefts across Philadelphia and Bucks County has residents on edge
PHILADLEPHIA (WPVI) -- According to Philadelphia police, officers are investigating 1,000 fewer car break-ins compared to this time last year. Still, more than 6,000 vehicle break-ins have been reported so far in 2024.
Recently, though, neighborhoods in and around Center City have been hit hard.
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"They are trying to find valuables, but we're seeing a definite increase in them taking your insurance cards, your registration cards, your titles. Things with your personal information on it," said Deputy Commissioner Mike Cram.
Authorities say there are a variety of potential reasons for that. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore says the information from those documents could be used to steal your identity.
"Some of the registration stuff, I'm not the expert on this, they can use that to try and create another key fob. So, it's important not to leave that in your car," Vanore noted.
Investigators also say they are receiving reports of firearms being stolen from parked vehicles as well.
Police officials are reminding everyone that leaving a firearm behind in your parked car is a code violation, and you run the risk of having your gun permit revoked.
Finally, along with the common advice of never leaving anything of value in your car, authorities say that if someone breaks into your vehicle do not simply repair the damage and make believe it never happened.
"Often we see that it's probably unreported. People say, 'Someone was in my car. They didn't break anything. So, I'm not going to report it.' We definitely want you to report it," said Cram.
Once again, items you should never leave in your car include your registration card, your insurance card, and your title if you have it. In the digital age, the information on those documents is very valuable for thieves.
Outside of Philadelphia, suburban communities are urged to follow police's advice amid a rash of car break-ins and thefts.
One quiet Bucks County community has been hit particularly hard. In some cases, police say the suspects didn't need to try hard to get into the cars, as many were left unlocked.
In Lower Makefield Township, multiple reports of car break-ins or thefts came in within an hour on the morning of July 25.
"Certainly those cases appear to be connected," noted Detective Sergeant Brian Omlor with Lower Makefield police.
Authorities say cash, credit cards, and registration or insurance were stolen.
"Being broken into is certainly a violation of privacy," noted Abraham Lipton from Yardley.
One family said their minivan was stolen and later recovered in Bordentown, New Jersey after it had been used to commit other crimes.
"It does cause a level of concern for the residents. They're concerned for their property and for their safety as well," said Omlor.
Omlor also said local police are working with officers in New Jersey to find the thieves. They are also trying to secure video from retail establishments where stolen credit cards were used.
Neighbors in Yardley say they now are sharing information and keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.
"This neighborhood really has a lot of young children around, that is definitely more nerve-racking. That people would take that chance and try to come onto your property," said Dari Kotzker from Yardley.
Police say in most cases, the cars targeted are left unlocked or have key fobs left inside of them. Authorities urge residents to be cautious.
"If you have a habit of leaving your car unlocked because you have a sense of security, unfortunately, it may be time to rethink that and to go that extra step," said Omlor.
No information has been provided on the suspects, how many are being sought, or a suspect vehicle.
