Farmington police investigating rash of thefts from unlocked cars
Farmington police are investigating about 25 thefts from unlocked vehicles that have occurred since the first week in August.
Most of the thefts have involved cars parked on streets or inside unlocked garages, said Det. Sgt. Lee Hollatz of the Farmington police department.
“None of them have been break-ins,” Hollatz said. “So, it’s the going into unlocked cars. Once again, we encourage citizens to make sure doors are locked on their cars, and garage doors are shut and locked.”
He said the majority of the thefts have occurred in the city’s downtown area east of Highway 3, but they have also happened throughout the city.
Hollatz said the department is also investigating two incidents where the thefts occurred inside a garage, and those cases can be charged as a burglary.
The department is also investigating one burglary that involved a house break-in and theft of many items including jewelry.
“We do not believe that is linked to the theft from cars,” Hollatz said.
Among the items stolen out of the cars are navigational devices, sunglasses, change and cigarettes.
He said the department believes the culprits are teenage youth, and they have identified several suspects and spoken to several parents and juveniles regarding the crimes.
Hollatz emphasized that residents should be diligent about locking their homes and cars.
“Anyone who leaves their car unlocked is a target,” he said.
