Dearborn Police: Take Precautions With Your Cars

Dearborn police are telling residents to lock up and be cautious–with their parked cars.

The has received multiple reports of items stolen out of unoccupied, parked vehicles. Several of the thefts were reportedly from cars left with windows open or doors unlocked.

Police got a firsthand look at a thief in action on July 27. Around 2 a.m., police responded to the area of Schaefer Road and Ruby Street on a report of a suspicious subject walking down the street and checking vehicle door handles. Officers located the subject and began surveillance.

Police said the man was seen pulling on door handles of cars parked along the street until he found an unlocked Chevy Malibu. Police saw him digging through the glove box and center console, then quickly getting out and walking away.

Officers subsequently arrested the man and recovered the property.

Donald Patrick Gill, a 35-year-old Melvindale resident, has been charged and arraigned on three counts of felony larceny, one count of felony possession of a stolen credit card, one felony count of resisting and opposing officers and two misdemeanor counts of breaking and entering vehicles.

A preliminary exam for Gill has been set for 9 a.m. Aug. 5 at the 19th District Court.

But in many cases of thefts from cars, no suspects are located–which is why Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad offered several simple tips to residents to keep their cars and belongings safe.

• Keep your vehicle locked and windows rolled up, even if the vehicle is parked in your driveway or in front of your home.
• Park your vehicle in a garage or driveway whenever possible.
• Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle, such as laptops, MP3 players, GPS units or money.
• Never leave any personal information in the car, such as the vehicle's title, registration, or your insurance.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle running unattended–even for a short period of time.
• Watch out for your neighbors' cars, too.

Dearborn residents can report any suspicious activity anonymously to 313-943-3030.