Area police investigate rash of thefts from unlocked vehicles
Friday, May 21, 2010
LEE — Police in five area communities are investigating a rash of thefts from unlocked motor vehicles.
The impacted communities include Lee, Madbury, Durham, Barrington and Nottingham.
Authorities say the thefts have been sporadic for the last few months but have really picked up in intensity over the last month.
Lee Police Sgt. Thomas Dronsfield said his town has seen about a dozen thefts recently. Dozens of thefts have also been reported in Madbury, Barrington and Durham.
Dronsfield noted there was an outbreak of thefts in his town on Wednesday and Thursday while another spree occurred in Barrington on Thursday and Friday. The thefts are occurring at night.
Items being stolen are mainly electronics, such as XM radios and GPS devices, according to Dronsfield.
"In one case a woman had a purse with $400 in it stolen," he said. "They're taking loose items they can grab real quick."
Durham Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley said the same seems to be the case for his town, although a particular item is being targeted.
"It seems the primary targets are GPS devices," he said. "And whatever loose change or anything else left inside the vehicles."
Authorities say the thefts are happening all over the town and are not restricted to one area.
Dronsfield said the departments believe the thefts are related and have met to discuss the thefts and the likelihood that the stolen items will be sold to area pawn shops.
While no arrests have been made, Dronsfield said the departments have some investigative leads they're pursuing.
Those with a habit of leaving their vehicles unlocked are urged to lock their vehicles at all times.
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