Warning: Thieves Are Stealing Running, Unattended Cars In Norristown

NORRISTOWN — It’s been several months since the borough launched an all out effort to warn residents not to leave their cars unattended running, and the car theft problem in the borough still continues.

In the week of June 27 to July 4, a total of five cars were reported stolen.

The Patch has written several news stories on problem and the police department and local businesses have distributed brochures.

According to the borough’s police report from June 27 to July 4:

Reported Theft of Motor Vehicles:

• 0 block of East Elm Street.
• 1700 block of Markley Street
• 400 block of Forest Avenue
• 200 block of East Wood Street
• 1400 block of Astor Street

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

• 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.

During the week of June 27 to July 5, police reported to these crimes:

• Shot fired on July 3 at Hope and Blackberry Alley
• Robberies: June 29 in the 400 block of Sandy Street; June 30 in the 500 block of Chain Street; and July 2 in the 700 block of East Johnson Highway.
• Aggravated assault: July 4 in the 400 block of East Johnson Highway
• Burglaries: June 28 in the 500 block of West Main Street; and July 2 in the 200 block of Knox Street.