Thieves Hitting Unlocked Cars In The Heights, Stealing Valuables

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Criminals are increasingly plucking items from unlocked cars in Cleveland Heights.

It's unclear why there's been an uptick in thefts from vehicles, Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg said. She added that criminals find such thefts "lucrative."

Most of the thefts happen overnight, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., and target unlocked cars. There are occasions when locked cars are hit, with thieves breaking the window to get inside the vehicle, those moments are rare, Mecklenburg said.

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Thieves have also been stolen cars in Cleveland Heights, though the vehicle owners usually leaves their keys inside the car.

Here are some tips to protect your car and your valuables:

• Always lock your car, even if it's parked in a garage
• Do not leave anything valuable in your car when it's unattended
• Install motion lights to deter criminals acting overnight
• Do not leave your car keys in your car

Similar upticks in thefts from cars have been seen in University Heights, Strongsville, and other spots around Cuyahoga County.