Warning: 'Garage Hopping' Teens Stealing Beer, Police Say

Earlier this month, Upper Macungie Police Chief Edgardo Colon warned residents to keep their cars locked and garage doors closed.

Now, according to a Facebook post by the Upper Macungie Police Department, we know about a common practice known as "garage hopping."

It's a phenomenon seen in Lower Macungie, as well.

Police say garage hopping is a popular suburban activity where teenagers try to obtain beer from open garages. Police say many suburban residents have a refrigerator with beer and wine located in their garage.

Police said some of these residents do not close their large overhead garage doors nor lock the exterior garage door in the evening hours and teens "scope out" the neighborhood for those homes.

Most of the teens that partake in this activity are not career criminals; they are just kids making poor decisions, police say,

However, police say what they do not realize is that whether it is for beer or any other personal items, entering someone's garage is a felony burglary and carries major legal consequences.

Upper Macungie Township has its fair share of this type of activity, police say, both during daytime and nighttime hours. Police say it is amazing how many garage doors are left wide open.

The police department urges Upper Macungie Township residents to be vigilant in closing and locking garage doors unless you are outside and within view of your garage. It removes the opportunity for teenagers to commit the crime.

Police say another popular suburban crime is thefts from vehicles. This crime is not necessarily committed by teenagers. There are many adults who drive from neighborhood to neighborhood in a single night to commit this type of crime.

Police say people walk the neighborhood and pull on door handles of vehicles. If they open, they quickly ransack the interior of the vehicle for any items of value and cash. They then move on to the next vehicle.

Upper Macungie Township has also see its fair share of this crime, police say. They recommend:

• Always lock your car, even if leaving for only a short time.

• Never leave your keys or spare keys in the vehicle.

• Do not leave valuables visible in your car. This includes purses, wallets or cash. Park in a well-lighted area if possible.

• Utilize a car alarm, if the vehicle is equipped with one.

• Completely close your car windows when parking. Don’t make it easy for a thief to gain entry.

• If you have a garage, use it.

• When parking in your garage, lock the garage door and your vehicle; by locking both the chances of deterring a crime greatly improve.

• Pass the word: remind friends, neighbors and family to always remove valuables and lock their vehicles.

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