'Surge' In Car Break-Ins, Stolen Vehicles In Reading, Police Say

READING, MA — Police are warning residents about "a surge in car break-ins and stolen vehicles" in Reading and surrounding towns.

A recent incident began Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. Wellesley police saw several masked, hooded people walking around the parking lot of an apartment building. A gray Kia sedan was stopped with the lights off.

When the group saw police, they got in the Kia and fled, ramming a police cruiser in the process.

Wellesley police pursued the Kia on Route 128 northbound. The car became disabled at exit 57 in Wakefield.

Five people fled on foot. Law enforcement caught four of the suspects.

State police, Wakefield police, Reading police, and other agencies assisted.

The incident remains under investigation.

"As a reminder, even though Reading is a safe community, please do not make it easy for criminals to commit crimes," police said in a Facebook post. "The common theme of the car break-ins and thefts is that the vehicles were left unlocked, and the keys to the cars and valuables were left inside. Please lock your car doors and do not leave car keys or key fobs or valuables in your car."