Mayfield Village Has Series of Car Break-Ins

The Police Department has added patrols in neighborhoods in response to a series of car break-ins in recent weeks.

According to Detective Sgt. Donald Smith, suspects have targeted unlocked cars in driveways and open garages, usually in the early morning hours – around 4 or 5 a.m.

"They've hit the city park and the Thornapple (Drive) area so far," Smith said.

There have been seven thefts from cars since June 1. Smith said a bicycle was also stolen on May 5, but police are unsure if that theft is related. He said the suspects have taken GPS units, cash and other valuables.

On one occasion, two cars were entered in an attached garage, which makes the crime a burglary, Smith said.

"They're just going up and down the street. If they see cars parked in the drive, they try them," he said.

Police said residents should keep their car doors locked, garage doors closed and valuables locked up and out of view. Smith said it's unlikely that these suspects will break a window or otherwise forcibly enter a car.

"They're not going to take the time to break in at 3 in the morning. They don't want to make noise and they don't want to set off car alarms," Smith said.