GROVE CITY, OH (WCMH) – Grove City police are warning residents to be on guard after a rash of thefts in one neighborhood.
The thefts started May 31 in the Hoover Crossing subdivision. Traci Trent said many cars on her street were hit, including her red Ford Mustang convertible.
“I woke up at 6:30 in the morning and found the stuff from my glove compartment scattered,” said Trent, who has lived on Clayburn East Drive for less than a year.
Trent’s car was broken into last Tuesday evening. The thieves made off with her briefcase which contained her laptop. The suspect or suspects also made off with her iPad and ruined the clutch in her car.
“They’ll come through an area or they’ll just walk or ride a bike,” said Detective Jason Stern. “Or they just move slowly through the neighborhood.”
Detective Stern said they have seen an increase these thefts, which are best described as crimes of opportunity. NBC4 received at least four reports for the Clayburn East Drive.
Several of the people Grove City police have arrested admitted committing these crimes to get drugs.
“Seems to be when we catch a person; that’s a lot of the feedback that we are getting. They’re trying to support a habit,” said Detective Stern.
Here are some tips to reduce your chance of becoming a victim:
- Remove all valuables from your car
- Keep hedges, bushes trimmed and low to discourage hiding.
- Install exterior lighting that triggers with motion sensors
- Lock all doors, install alarms
Trent’s convertible is damaged and needs many repairs. She applauds the work of police and still believes Grove City is great place to live.
“It’s been an experience. Who would’ve thought a little thing would turn into such a big deal?”
Anyone with information about these crimes should call Grove City Police at (614) 277-1710.What others are clicking on: