Lock Your Cars; Urbandale Rash of Thefts Continues

Urbandale police have arrested two people in connection with a rash of overnight thefts from unlocked cars, but the thefts continue, said Officer Randy Peterson, police spokesman.

Peterson said there were 10 thefts reported overnight Sunday, Nov. 27, into the next Monday morning. Most were at an apartment complex just east of the police department.

Peterson said two teenagers were stopped in the area by a patrol officer.

"The stories just didn't quite add up and the result was the office found two backpacks filled with stolen property," he said.

Urbandale police arrested Haris Karajic, 18, of Urbandale and a 17-year-old Urbandale male on charges of burglary, and possession of burglary tools. The 17-year-old also was charged with harassment of a police officer.  Urbandale Patch does not routinely report the names of juveniles charged with crimes.

Peterson said Monday the thefts were clustered at that apartment complex and also around the Merle Hay Mall parking lot that weekend.

However, he said similar thefts have continued to occur this week and they have been reported in less concentrated locations.

"This is really just a crime of opportunity," he said and it often becomes more frequent in the month leading up to Christmas, as thieves are looking for Christmas gifts or anything they might be able to sell for money. He said stolen property included GPS devices, iPods, money and car keys.

"It's very rare that we actually have some people (who) will smash a window, unless they see something that they want," he said, adding that even if you lock your car, you should always cover any valuable items from view.

Peterson encouraged residents to call police if they see anyone suspicious, dressing in dark clothing, in their neighborhood late at night.

"Please call 9-1-1 immediately and stay on the phone with dispatchers while officers are responding," he said. If you have information about thefts, call Crimestoppers at 515-223-1400 or Urbandale Criminal Investigation Division at 515-331-6803.