Police investigate rash of burglaries
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The public’s helping is needed to find the person or persons responsible for a rash of car burglaries that occurred this week.
“We received several reports of vehicles being burglarized sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning,” said Sgt. Mark Barnes, Presque Isle Police Department.
Barnes said the department had received about 30 complaints from owners reporting items had been taken overnight from their vehicles.
“We had reports from all over the city. All were residentially located. Items taken included the usual: change, cigarettes and anything electronic,” said Barnes.
According to Barnes, they all had one factor in common.
“In each case, the vehicle was reportedly left unlocked, creating easy access for criminal activity,” said Barnes.
Police are reminding motorists to lock their vehicles at all times, especially during the holidays.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re out shopping or home for the night. Locking vehicles is the quickest deterrent for thieves,” said Barnes.
Police also advise shoppers to secure packages, purses and other valuables in the trunk or under a seat, because “out of sight, out of mind” also applies to burglars.
“Locking vehicles and keeping valuables out of sight make you a less likely target for this type of activity,” said Barnes.
Anyone with information pertaining to this or any crime is asked to call the PIPD at 764-4476.
