News
Recently, there has been a concerning spike in car break-ins and thefts across local communities. Mariemont police Chief Richard Hines has sounded the alarm, stating that it's not just a one-sided issue but affects both the west and east sides. "It's a problem right now," he emphasizes. Mariemont, which isn't typically known for high crime, has been targeted recently, and one reason might be that residents feel more at ease leaving their car doors unlocked. Hines notes that usually, there are only one or two auto thefts per year, but this year, they've already reached 12, with the majority occurring in the past few weeks.
Holiday Season and Thieves' Window Shopping
With the holidays approaching, thieves have been taking advantage of the situation. As Madeira police Chief David Schaefer points out, "They know people have a tendency to have more money during this time, as they go to the store or shop for Christmas presents. So, if a car is left open, there's a greater chance they might get more." Police have observed that almost all the cars involved in recent cases had unlocked doors.Protecting Your Vehicle
Investigators are strongly advising people not to leave anything valuable inside their vehicles. It only provides an easy target for thieves. Additionally, if anyone sees any suspicious activity, they are urged to call 911 immediately and not approach the suspect. Thieves should be regarded as armed and dangerous. In one recent tragic case, a victim was even shot to death over a vehicle break-in. This serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the situation.Taking Precautions
Leaving your car doors unlocked is a major mistake during this time. It's important to develop good habits and always lock your vehicles, regardless of how safe you might feel in your community. By being vigilant and taking these simple precautions, we can help reduce the occurrence of car break-ins and thefts. Remember, a little extra effort in securing our vehicles can go a long way in protecting our belongings and our safety.
