Car Thefts Continue

Thefts from cars and garages persist in the neighborhood, even if they are locked, according to a recent alert from SSA Security Group, a private security company that patrols our surrounding neighborhoods. Also, thieves are willing to steal almost anything, even the seats right out of your car!

One victim on the 600 block of June street reported the third row of Denali leather seats missing from his GMC Yukon SUV. Apparently the victim had not noticed the seats missing so could not say exactly when they were removed. It seems the thieves broke into the locked car and removed the seats from the floor brackets.

Apparently, a similar theft occurred on the 5200 block of W. 2nd Street two weeks ago. The driver’s-door lock was punched out and the third row seats were stolen. Police speculate the same thieves may have committed both crimes.

On Monday, another victim reported a car was broken into and the glove compartment and console were ransacked. The suspect then entered the garage and ransacked a chest of drawers, leaving the contents on the floor. It seems only the gate opener was stolen. The car was parked in a locked, gated driveway on the 300 block of South Las Palmas.

Finally, another car was broken into on the 500 block of Wilcox late Monday or early Tuesday morning. In this case, the victim thought the car was locked. Cash was stolen from the glove box.

SSA and LAPD remind residents that burglary or theft from cars is the single largest crime by occurrence in the United States and in LA proper. To help prevent such incidents:

1. Never leave items of value in your car; if possible.
2. Always lock your car whenever unattended and set the alarm
3. LAPD’s motto, “HIDE IT – LOCK IT – KEEP IT,” is also relevant.
4. If at all possible, park cars in the driveway and behind gates or in garages to reduce your exposure.

Be aware, be safe and report any incidents to LAPD.