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By JODI MYERS
Daily Globe Staff Reporter
SHELBY — Residents are being urged not to leave valuables inside their vehicles as a rash of thefts is spreading around town.
 According to statistics compiled by the Shelby Police Department, 30 thefts from vehicles were reported between July 23 and August 23. It was noted there were also several incidents where the car was ransacked but nothing was taken.
Police Chief Charlie Roub said the criminals are targeting all areas of town and are stealing from vehicles both parked on the road and in driveways.
“The most important thing is not to leave anything with value in a vehicle,” Roub said. “Things like radar detectors and GPS units. If you keep them in your car they need to be out of sight.
“And lock your vehicle,” Roub said. “Contrary to popular belief these people do not want to break your window to get inside.
“I’ve heard people say they don’t lock their vehicle because if they did the (thief) would just break the window,” Roub said. “But breaking a window makes noise and the last thing they want to do is draw attention to themself.
“These people are opportunists,” Roub continued. “They’re looking for unlocked cars they can get in and out of quickly.
“Everyone throws loose change in a cup holder and they will go in after that,” he said. “If you have a high dollar stereo system in your vehicle that has a removable faceplate, take off the faceplate and take it inside. Those stereos are worthless without the faceplate.
“People leave keys in their car and women leave their purses,” Roub said. “Just because (a theft) has never happened to you before doesn’t mean it can’t happen.”
Roub said it’s difficult for police to catch these types of criminals because they are usually out in the dark, early morning hours and they aren’t just hitting one area of town.
“Even if we’re patrolling an area where they are, it’s easy for them to hide somewhere and not be seen,” Roub noted. “Plus, they are hitting one area and going to another. We can’t predict where they will be.”
Roub said if residents see someone walking around their neighborhood late at night to give police a call.
“We’ll come and check them out,” he said. “We won’t necessarily stop every person out walking late at night — when we drive by we can get an impression if it’s someone up to no good or someone legitimately out for a walk.
“If you’re just out walking you won’t run away from police or get all nervous when we drive by,” he noted.
“This comes in cycles,” Roub said of the vehicle thefts. “If you take a look at the criminal history in town every few months we get a new group in. Before, the thefts were to help support drug habits, but now I don’t know why it’s happening.
“Apparently it’s the younger crowd and sometimes they do it just for kicks,” Roub said.
The Chief said no apprehensions have been made, but pointed out police certainly have their eyes and ears open. |
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