Dearborn Sees Rash of Thefts from Unlocked Cars

Though thefts from parked vehicles can occur in any situation, leaving a car unlocked makes the job easier for would-be thieves.

Such was the occassion when six cars were broken into on the same evening in Dearborn this month. In all of the thefts, owners of the vehicles reported that their cars were left unlocked.

Stolen items ranged from loose change to expensive electronics and wallets, according to reports.

On the 2200 block of Golfview, a GPS unit was stolen from a Ford Windstar. On the 25100 block of Doxtator, a wallet and iPod Nano from a Dodge Charger. An in-dash navigation system was taken from an unlocked Chrysler Town and Country parked in the Verizon Wireless lot on Ford Road. On the 5200 block of Maple, a house key and cell phone charger were taken; and on the 2300 block of Nightengale, a wallet with credit cards inside was taken. Lastly, on the 18200 block of Audette, loose change was taken from a Ford Escape.

A similar break-out of thefts from unlocked cars was .

Dearborn police have shared tips with the public in hopes to keep more residents from becoming victims of crimes of opportunity:

• Remember to 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 your garage or in your driveway whenever possible.
• Do not leave valuables (GPS Units, MP3 Players, laptops, money, etc) visible in your vehicle. If possible, remove all valuables from your vehicle.
• Never leave any personal information in your vehicle such as vehicle title, registration, or insurance.
• Residents should avoid leaving their vehicles running unattended even for a short period.
• Be aware of your surroundings & trust your instincts
• Watch out for your neighbors
• Report any suspicious people or cars in your neighborhood to the police, including vehicles that do not belong in or are circling the area; unfamiliar people on foot; and people who are observed looking into vehicles or attempting to open vehicles

Residents can report all suspicious activity anonymously to the Dearborn Police Tip Line at 313-943-3030.