The Lancaster County District Attorney and county police departments are urging residents to lock their vehicles and conceal or remove items as a rash of thefts across the county continues.
Police in numerous Lancaster County municipalities have investigated well over 100 thefts from vehicles this year, with a significant spike in the activity over the past two weeks.
Police are basing that rough estimate on the number of resident reports and other information gathered. There are likely many residents who have not reported being victims of thefts; those individuals are asked to do so by calling their local police department.
Several individuals have been charged in connection with the thefts, and police continue to make progress in the investigations.
However, it is believed that numerous juveniles and young adults are involved in these thefts – perhaps working together, or at least in acquaintance with one another.
The thefts have been reported across the county, to include Lancaster, Manheim and West Lampeter townships, Manheim Borough and Lancaster city.
In nearly all of the incidents, targeted vehicles were unlocked or an item was left in plain view so a window was shattered.
The suggested deterrents: LOCK YOUR VEHICLE, CONCEAL ITEMS.
“No one deserves to have their money or belongings taken from them and we will prosecute those responsible,” Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said this week. “However, we do not want vehicle owners to make it easy for them by leaving doors unlocked and items in plain view.
“So, please take the time to lock the vehicle.”
Residents should also be vigilant by reporting suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, such as individuals seemingly wandering around the block without a purpose, or individuals walking closely to parked vehicles (checking door handles).
This video of a recent theft – https://goo.gl/QQbTRu - shows how quick and easy it is for a thief to target an unlocked vehicle.
Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact their police department or submit a tip via this CrimeWatch page.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright