Victoria P.D. Investigates Recent Thefts from Vehicles

VICTORIA – According to national crime statistics, the months of July and August are the top two months for thefts involving vehicle break ins. Some of the reasons for theft being more prevalent during these times are that many people leave windows down because of the heat and many people leave for vacations during this time and vehicles are left sitting for extended periods of time with nobody home.

This data would seem to correspond with some recent incidents that the Victoria Police Department has been investigating. VPD officials indicated that there have been several thefts of material inside of cars during recent weeks. Officer M.H. Gatling noted that the incidents have taken place in several areas around town including from cars sitting at homes along 4th Street and 12th Street.

Officer Gatling and Officer Mike Landry noted that the thefts so far have come from vehicles that have been left unlocked and to this point none of the incidents have seen any damage to the cars in order to gain entry.

The culprits have taken a number of different items ranging from money to expensive Oakley sunglasses. VPD officials said that they believe the incidents are taking place late at night and are encouraging town residents to lock their vehicles even when they are home or parked at their home.

Some suggestions for helping deter thieves from taking items in your car include the obvious one of locking the vehicle. Additional precautions include:

Don’t leave anything in your vehicle which appears to be attractive such as GPS units and cell phones.

Park under street lighting when/if you are driving somewhere. Most thieves are hesitant to break into vehicles which are in areas which are brightly-lit.

Place the item(s) which you are seeking to hide underneath old newspapers or a blanket in a manner which doesn’t make it appear that there is anything under them.

Take things with you when you leave your car.  Your car is only “useful” as a temporary storage place in safer areas. If you are going to be gone for any significant length of time, take your items with you.

If anyone has information about these incidents that could be helpful to the Victoria Police Department in this investigation, please call Crimesolvers at 434-321-3100.