Shaker Heights Police Chief Warns Residents About Thefts

Shaker Heights Police Chief D. Scott Lee discussed recent thefts and gave security tips to residents this week in a memo to members of the Sussex Community Association.

The chief said identified and arrested three juvenile suspects in a rash of thefts that occurred Monday on Chadbourne, Warrington and South Woodland roads. The thefts were from cars and open garages at homes on those roads.

"It does not appear that any of the suspects were involved in both of the incidents," Lee wrote in an email. "The suspects did tell officers that they wandered through the neighborhoods looking for autos parked in driveways where there was little or no security lighting, and then checked to see if the auto was unlocked.

"If the auto was locked, they moved on to the next opportunity."

Lee said there were similar incidents took place last week on Aberdeen and Chadbourne roads and Clayton Boulevard. As a result, the police chief said residents need to keep their vehicles locked without the ability to see GPS devices, cell phones, purses or other valuable items.

"(Keep) your garage door closed and locked when you're not outside," he said.