News Release

Date 10/07/09

For Immediate Release: Stealing from Vehicles

The Springfield Police Department continues to investigate numerous thefts from vehicles. In approximately a 15-day span starting on September 15, 2009, the department received 143 reports of vehicle break-ins. The majority of the break-ins are occurring in the south-central and southwest part of the city.

Thieves are targeting purses, wallets, global positioning systems, radios, and laptop computers that are left in vehicles. In nearly half of the cases being reviewed no force was used to break into the vehicles, indicating the vehicle was unlocked. In 22% of the cases, the owners of the vehicles admitted that they had left the vehicle unlocked.

The theft of purses and wallets left in vehicles often results in credit cards and personal identification being fraudulently used by the thieves.

Police remind citizens that the best deterrent against vehicle break-ins is locking your car and removing items that can be easily stolen. Police also recommend parking your car in a garage at night and in areas that are well-lit if left on a parking lot. Police also recommend removing garage door openers if the car is left outside overnight.

 

Media Contact: Major Kevin Routh, phone 417-864-1754

Release authorized by: Major Kevin Routh