Crime & Safety

Dearborn Police Warn of Spike in Car Break-Ins

Thieves are targeting unlocked cars, and stealing tires from SUVs in Dearborn.

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At least six car break-ins occurred in Dearborn over the weekend, leaving police to believe the warmer temperatures could be a contributing factor.

"We definitely tend to see more break-ins in the summer time, when it's warmer out and more people are out walking around," Det. Michael Maurier said.

Maurier said officers have been out in force in an attempt to catch the unknown suspects who have been targeting cars across the city in recent weeks. The hardest hit area is near Cherry Hill and Telegraph Road.

"These guys are bold. Typically break-ins occur at night, but we've had break-ins occur in the early morning and afternoon as well," he said.

As a result, Maurier said the department has added more specialized patrols and undercover officers on the streets in local neighborhoods. Maurier said recently the department arrested several suspects for allegedly stealing tires and rims from cars near Tireman and Wyoming streets.

"Tires from the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer are really hot right now," he said.

To help reduce the number of break-ins, the Dearborn Police is encouraging residents to follow a few simple tips:

  • Keep your car visible
Park in well-lit areas, near people or with a parking lot or garage attendant on duty. Avoid having your car concealed by larger vehicles, fences or foliage.
  • Don’t make it easy
Keep windows and sunroofs closed and doors locked. Almost one-fourth of thefts from vehicles are from unlocked cars.
  • Hide your valuables
Many thieves act on impulse. So keep your stuff out of sight – either with you or in a locked trunk.
  • Trust your instincts
If you see suspicious activity, call the police. You may be helping keep another person from being a victim of a car break-in.

"Vehicle larcenies are a crime of opportunity," Maurier said. "A lot of these guys walk around checking on cars. If a door is unlocked, they can quickly grab something and keep going."

Maurier also suggests that vehicle owners invest in alarm systems, lug nut locks, or a club steering wheel lock.

"Most importantly, we want people to know that it's okay to call us," he said. "We need residents to be vigilant and help us by calling the police on suspicious people or vehicles. If you call the police, a patrol car will come."

Residents can report suspicious behavior by calling 911, or the Dearborn Police tip line, 313-943-3012. Callers can also use the Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT) tip line by calling 1-800-242-HEAT. Rewards are paid for arrests and prosecution. 

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said he encourages residents to sign up for NIXLE crime alerts at www.nixle.com.

"If there's something going on in your neighborhood, NIXLE is the quickest way to stay informed," Haddad said. 

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