Unlocked Cars Ransacked in Bulle Rock

Nine vehicles in Havre de Grace's upscale, gated community of Bulle Rock were ransacked early Sunday morning.

Fortunately for residents and guests, there were no major thefts. Police have no suspects, but there is one common theme in the incidents: each car was unlocked.

"Three things are needed to commit a crime: desire, ability and opportunity. If we can all work together to deny the opportunity to become victims, then we can all do our part to put the bad guy out of business," Havre de Grace Police PFC Jeff Gilpin said.

The first report came shortly after 1 a.m. Dec. 4, as officers responded to Deputed Testamony Place, where a social gathering was beginning to disperse. Two separate vehicle owners were victimized, and while the cars had been rummaged through, nothing was missing.

Police believe juveniles may have committed the petty thefts.

Bulle Rock's gates close at 6 p.m., allowing only residents and welcomed guests through.

"Bulle Rock just happens to be in close proximity to I-95," Gilpin said. "It's a quiet area, there's not a lot of traffic, and all those things are a factor towards becoming a victim."

But regardless of the location, thefts are on the rise at this time of the year.

GPS systems and other electronics are common items stolen from vehicles in Havre de Grace. The police ask that citizens remove all portable electronic devices from their vehicles while parked, and hide any accessories—such as power chargers or GPS mounting brackets.

Most importantly, police ask that citizens lock their vehicles, even if they live in a gated community.

"While the neighborhood of Bulle Rock—and the City of Havre de Grace as a whole—is a safe community to live in, it is important that citizens do their best to help out law enforcement," Gilpin said. "It's important that folks know that no matter where they live, during the holiday seasons, bad guys are always looking for an opportunity. No matter where you are, as long as you can remember to lock your car doors, you can help your police department and your neighbors tremendously."

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The specific police reports:

• Officers responded to the 100 block of Deputed Testamony Place at 1:13 a.m. on Dec. 4 in reference to two vehicles that had been broken into. Another victim's car had been broken into at the same location. It appeared as if someone had rummaged through the two vehicles, but it did not appear there were any missing items from either vehicle at that time. Both vehicles were left unlocked.
• Officers responded to the 400 block of Granville Court at 3:39 a.m. on Dec. 4 in reference to two vehicles that had been broken into. There was evidence the vehicles had been rummaged through, and loose change and an E-ZPass were missing. Both vehicles were left unlocked.
• Police responded to the 300 block of Northlands Court at 10:36 a.m. Dec. 4 in reference to a vehicle that had been broken into. A pair of sunglasses valued at $350 was stolen. The vehicle was left unlocked.
• Police responded to a second residence in the 300 block of Northlands Court at 10:38 a.m. on Dec. 4 in reference to a vehicle that had been broken into. There were obvious signs the vehicle had been ransacked. Loose change was removed from the vehicle. The vehicle was left unlocked.
• Police responded to the 200 block of Donerail Court at 10:59 a.m. on Dec. 4 in reference to two vehicles that had been broken into. Items were stolen from both vehicles, including gift cards and currency. Both vehicles were left unlocked.
• Police responded to the 100 block of Snow Chief Drive at 11:11 a.m. on Dec. 6 in reference to a vehicle that had been broken into. The victim suspected the crime to have occurred in the late evening or early morning of Dec. 3 into Dec. 4. Currency, in the form of both loose change and cash, was stolen. The vehicle was unlocked.