Norristown Police: Auto Thieves Won’t Let Up

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown police reported today that the problem of motorists leaving their cars running and unattended continues despite an all-out effort from police and the community to prevent the crimes.

Norristown police reported eight auto thefts and five thefts from autos from June 13 to June 27.

Police Chief E. Derrick Wood and his staff made an all out effort to publicize the problem on social media and provide solutions.

Rossy Calderon, community liaison, put flyers in neighborhoods reminding residents to lock their car doors.

“We have tried to get the word out and educate residents about avoiding leaving their cars open or running unattended,” Calderon said.

Calderon said even with the social media blast and flier distributions people are still leaving their cars open or running unattended.

Flyers were also distributed in local restaurants and stores about the problem and were published on Patch.com.

Lt. Michael Bishop said that 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.

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

Bishop said the problem increases during a hot spell when residents go into their houses while waiting for their vehicles to cool off.

“It’s so preventable,” Bishop said. “This is an opportunity for a thrill.”

These theft of motor vehicles were reported:

• June 15: 7:19 p.m. in the 400 block of East Wood Street
• June 16: 5 p.m. in the 1300 block of Arch Street
• June 17: 6 p.m. in the 200 block of East jacoby Street
• June 17: 8:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Forest Avenue
• June 20: 3 p.m. in the 800 block of Laura Street
• June 24: 8:55 p.m. in the 1100 block of Markley Street
• June 26: 10 p.m. at West Airy and Noble streets.

These thefts from motor vehicles were reported:

• June 17: 11:55 p.m. in the 800 block of Laura Lane
• June 20: 3:23 p.m. in the 300 block of East Main Street.
• June 21: 1 a.m. in the 200 block of Hamilton Street
• June 24: 7 a.m. in the 900 block of Polk Alley
• June 24: 5 p.m. West Airy and Noble streets

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. 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, call 610-278,TIPS or NPDTips@norristown.org.