Thefts from Cars on the Rise in Takoma Park

Throughout the month of August, Takoma Park has experienced an increase in thefts from vehicles. So far this month, 19 thefts or attempted thefts from vehicles have occurred.

The break-ins and thefts occurred in the following areas, with method of entry and property taken:

1200 block of Holton Lane
Passenger side window smashed
GPS stolen

1100 block of Merwood Drive
Attempt – broke rear passenger side window
No property stolen

Unit block of Pine Avenue
Unlocked door
Purse and cell phone stolen

6500 block of Fourth Avenue
Unlocked door
GPS stolen

200 block of Tulip Avenue
Attempt – Defendant caught and arrested

7400 block of Wildwood Drive
Unlocked door
Flashlight and money stolen

6400 block of 5th Avenue
Attempt – Defendant caught and arrested

700 block of Devonshire Avenue
Attempt – Unlocked door
No property stolen

1000 block of Heather Avenue (3)
Unlocked doors (2)
Damaged door lock (1)
Two GPS’s and an iPod stolen

600 block of Elm Avenue
Attempt – Unlocked door
No property stolen

800 block of Elm Avenue
Attempt – Unlocked door
No property stolen

6700 block of Poplar Avenue
Attempt – Unlocked door
No property stolen

1000 block of Elm Avenue
Unlocked door
GPS stolen

400 block of Circle Avenue
Unlocked door
Money stolen

600 block of Elm Avenue
Unlocked door
Money stolen

7100 block of Cedar Avenue
Vehicle window broken
GPS stolen

7100 block of Sycamore Avenue
Unlocked door
Wallet stolen

Most suspects entered vehicles through unlocked doors. Windows were broken in three cases, a door lock was damaged in one case, but opened unlocked doors led to thefts in 13 cases.