Norristown Police: Auto Theft Problem Subsiding

NORRISTOWN, PA —Norristown police reported only two auto thefts during the week of June 6, a significant reduction from the prior report of 11 auto thefts from May 16 to 30.

Police Chief E. Derrick Wood and his staff made an all out effort to publicize the problem and offer solutions.

Rossy Calderon, community liaison, put flyers in neighborhoods reminding residents to lock their car doors. Flyers were also distributed in local restaurants and stories about the problem were published on Patch.com.

Lt. Michael Bishop noted that the problem has subsided since school is out.

From June 6 to June 13, these car thefts occurred:

• June 7 at 11 p.m. in the 1800 block of Arch Street.
• June 8 3 p.m. in the 600 block of Moore Street.

The lieutenant said the perpetrators are typically juveniles who see a car running, and steal the car for transportation to where they are going, instead of taking public transportation.

“They could be taking a joy ride,” Bishop said. “The majority of these were happening while school was in session.”

He said the problem typically occurs when it’s cold outside and residents are going inside their homes when warming up their cars.

It also occurs during a hot spell when residents went into their houses while waiting for their vehicles to cool off.
“It’s so preventable,” Bishop said. “This is an opportunity for a thrill.”

Bishop noted that some people park their car and leave the door unlocked with a spare key in the car.

The juveniles are typically driving in the borough or to Philadelphia.

The hope is to get cameras installed throughout the borough .

Here are ways to prevent theft of autos and items inside autos:

• Always keep the doors locked and keys with you anytime you leave your vehicle even if it’s for a two-minute run into the house or store.
• Do not leave items of value in plain view inside your car. Lock them in your trunk or hide them so as not to tempt someone to take them.
• Do not leave your car running to warm up if you are not in your car. It only takes seconds for someone to notice this and take advantage of the situation.
• Never leave a spare set of keys in your car for convenience. Thieves will look for these and use them to deprive your vehicles. This includes valet keys.
• Park your car in a well-lit area, if possible. Thieves hate the light.

Anyone with information, call 610-270-0977, or to remain anonymous contact NPDTips@norristown.org.