Annapolis Police Use Decoy Vehicles to Combat Rash of Thefts

The Annapolis Police Department has made some progress in the growing threat of vehicle thefts.

On Thursday, the department announced that five men have been charged with four thefts from vehicles. It's the end result of a series of investigations into incidents dating back to the beginning of the month.

Detective Amy Miguez, spokeswoman for the department, said officers have worked in a variety of ways to reduce the number of thefts.

"Officers have been deployed in areas where thefts have occurred to deter further thefts, they have checked areas for unlocked vehicles or vehicles with desirable items left inside in open view and then informed the vehicle owners.  Officers in plainclothes have conducted operations in attempts to catch thieves in the act, including using decoy vehicles," Miguez said.

Of the thefts from vehicles reported in 2013, 82 percent were unlocked or showed no signs of forced entry, said Police Chief Michael Pristoop.

“The Police Department has been very proactive," Pristoop said. "We're not sitting on our hands. The reality, however, is that most of these crimes could be prevented. People must lock their car doors, remove valuables from sight and of course call us at the first sight of suspicious activity."

The following arrests were made as a result of the investigation:

• Micah Hayes, 21, charged with theft between Feb. 27-28 in the 800 block of Chesapeake Ave.
• John W. Jones, 55, charged with theft March 4 in the 100 block of Hillsmere Drive.
• Shawn Joyner, 27, charged with theft March 13 in the 1700 block of Forest Drive.
• Glenard Moulden, 41, charged with theft between March 17-18 in the 1600 block of Cedar Park Road.
• Michael E. Carroll, 61, charged with theft between March 17-18 in the 1600 block of Cedar Park Road.

Annapolis police also provided information on two recent vehicle thefts.

March 24-March 27—Sargent Court. An undisclosed amount of money and a GPS unit were taken from a vehicle that was apparently left unlocked. 

March 26—200 block of Hilltop Lane.  A GPS unit was taken from an unlocked vehicle.