Residents fed up with recent car break-ins: 'Wish they would beef up security'

UPPER CHICHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- Residents of Meetinghouse Park Apartments in Upper Chichester are expressing concern after a series of vehicle break-ins early Sunday morning.

Police are investigating multiple reports of personal belongings being stolen and seeking the public's help to identify suspects caught on surveillance video.

Police told Action News some vehicle windows were smashed, though any broken glass appeared to have been cleaned up by Monday. Neighbors reported seeing individuals walking through the area, pulling on car door handles.

One victim, Joshua Wesley, shared his experience after returning home from a weekend away.

"I went to my truck, unlocked it, opened the door-and there was stuff everywhere," Wesley said.

Initially confused, reality ultimately set in; Wesley said he was surprised to find that none of his valuables were missing.

"My laptop was in there. My GoPro was in there. My AirPods were in there. Everything was there. It was just torn apart," he said.

Others were not so lucky. Surveillance footage captured around 3 a.m. shows one individual inside a car and another shows two people using flashlights to look into vehicles.

"They actually walked past my car, thank God, but they were flashlighting all the other cars," said Randy Gregory, another Meetinghouse Park resident.

Gregory said he was spared this time, but has been a victim of it in the past and has even had to buy a new car.

"My other one was vandalized. I mean, they tear the inside up. They steal stuff out of it, so I didn't want it anymore," Gregory said.

Upper Chichester police are asking for assistance in identifying the individuals shown in surveillance images.

In response to the incidents, apartment management issued a letter urging residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables, and report any suspicious activity.

"I just, I wish they would beef up security around here. Have somebody riding around all night," Gregory added.

Police said they believe juveniles may be involved, but the investigation remains ongoing.