Police investigating vehicle break-ins at park
MTPD offers tips to avoid being victimized this season
At least three vehicles parked at Austin Badger Park over the weekend were victim to break-ins and thefts. File photo
MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP – Police in Montville received a small rash of vehicle break-in and theft reports at Austin Badger Park on River Styx Road Dec. 3.
The incidents happened during the day – between noon and 12:30, according to Chief Terry Grice – but the exact timing is still unclear, as is whether any unlocked vehicles were affected.
“Three separate vehicles,” Grice said. “They were breaking windows out and taking anything of value they could see.”
There are no suspects at this time. Grice said his officers have been canvassing nearby residences to hopefully drum up leads. There were no reported vehicle break-ins at any nearby residences, he said.
“We want people to still go out there and enjoy what the park has to offer, but certainly don’t leave any valuables in sight within the vehicle,” Grice said. “I drove by there (that afternoon) and that parking lot was almost full. It holds around 20 to 24 cars there.”
Anyone who may have seen anything or who has any information is encouraged to call Montville Police at 330-725-8314.
In related news, while Montville doesn’t usually see a statistical increase in crime during the holiday season, the department offered useful tips to help individuals be less susceptible to being victimized.
“As it’s the holiday season, many of us have more things of value in our cars and homes,” the department said in a social media statement Dec. 2.
Residents are reminded to keep all exterior lights illuminated from dusk until dawn and keep all doors locked, including garage doors.
If leaving in the home during evening hours, observe vehicles in the area you do not recognize. Leave a television and interior lights on inside your home.
Keep any valuable jewelry in a safe deposit box or in a well-hidden location in your home. Don’t store holiday gifts, valuables or money in your car.
Make sure your vehicle is locked when parked outside in your driveway, on the street or in a parking lot while shopping. If you make purchases and must place items in your car, do everything you can to conceal them and don’t leave your purse in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area. Try not to over burden yourself carrying packages out of a store. Use carts, shop with a friend or family member or ask for help from a store associate.
When returning to your car, put down your cell phone. Thieves and those who wish to do you harm look for people who are not aware of their surroundings. Stay alert and aware of where you are.
The incidents happened during the day – between noon and 12:30, according to Chief Terry Grice – but the exact timing is still unclear, as is whether any unlocked vehicles were affected.
“Three separate vehicles,” Grice said. “They were breaking windows out and taking anything of value they could see.”
There are no suspects at this time. Grice said his officers have been canvassing nearby residences to hopefully drum up leads. There were no reported vehicle break-ins at any nearby residences, he said.
“We want people to still go out there and enjoy what the park has to offer, but certainly don’t leave any valuables in sight within the vehicle,” Grice said. “I drove by there (that afternoon) and that parking lot was almost full. It holds around 20 to 24 cars there.”
Anyone who may have seen anything or who has any information is encouraged to call Montville Police at 330-725-8314.
In related news, while Montville doesn’t usually see a statistical increase in crime during the holiday season, the department offered useful tips to help individuals be less susceptible to being victimized.
“As it’s the holiday season, many of us have more things of value in our cars and homes,” the department said in a social media statement Dec. 2.
Residents are reminded to keep all exterior lights illuminated from dusk until dawn and keep all doors locked, including garage doors.
If leaving in the home during evening hours, observe vehicles in the area you do not recognize. Leave a television and interior lights on inside your home.
Keep any valuable jewelry in a safe deposit box or in a well-hidden location in your home. Don’t store holiday gifts, valuables or money in your car.
Make sure your vehicle is locked when parked outside in your driveway, on the street or in a parking lot while shopping. If you make purchases and must place items in your car, do everything you can to conceal them and don’t leave your purse in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area. Try not to over burden yourself carrying packages out of a store. Use carts, shop with a friend or family member or ask for help from a store associate.
When returning to your car, put down your cell phone. Thieves and those who wish to do you harm look for people who are not aware of their surroundings. Stay alert and aware of where you are.
