A Series Of Smash-And-Grabs Have Occurred In Cheltenham And Abington Townships Lately

CHELTENHAM & ABINGTON, PA — A series of smash-and-grab vandalism incidents in vehicles have taken place in Cheltenham Township recently, and police in neighboring Abington say the crimes have since moved over to that municipality as well.

Police in Cheltenham say they are investing after a string of vehicle vandalisms have occurred in which a suspect or suspects smash out vehicle windows and rummage through the vehicles, often in the middle of the night.

News channel 6 ABC Action News recently reported on one of the incidents in which a resident says his home surveillance camera captured footage of an individual walking around the house to the cars parked in the rear driveway around 3 a.m. on one recent early morning and smashing the windows of both vehicles before spending around six minutes going through personal belongings.

Abington Township police put out a crime alert on Tuesday saying that similar crimes have been taking place there, particularly in the Glenside section.

Abington officials say in those cases, windows to vehicles have been broken out and items taken from cars. They're warning residents to be alert.

So far, Abington police say, vehicles have been targeted in the areas Briarwood Road, Tennis Avenue, Oakdale Avenue, Roberts Avenue and the Rosemore Garden Apartment complex area.

Police are urging residents to park in well-lit areas, enable vehicle security systems, don't leave anything of value in plain view, and call 911 if any suspicious activity occurs.