Police Investigate Following Increase in Car Thefts and Break-Ins

Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department is investigating an increase in reported car thefts and break-ins.

Between June 10-17, the Winthrop Police Department responded to five reports of motor vehicle break-ins. Likewise, between June 7-17, Winthrop Police responded to reports of and/or located four stolen vehicles. Winthrop Police responded to additional reports of motor vehicle break-ins on the morning of Thursday, June 20.

In the case of some of the stolen vehicles, police located cars from Chelsea in Winthrop, while Chelsea Police have located stolen vehicles from Winthrop in their community.

These incidents remain under active investigation, and anyone who believes they may have information about car break-ins or thefts is asked to call the Winthrop Police Department at 617-846-1212. So far no arrests have been made.

“Locking your car is the simplest and often most effective way to prevent someone from breaking into or stealing your car, since criminals are often looking for the easiest possible target,” Chief Delehanty said. “Our detectives are aggressively investigating these crimes, and I encourage anyone who thinks they may be able to expedite that investigation to reach out to us.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of the approximately 750,000 vehicle thefts in the U.S. in 2017 were attributable to owner error, such as leaving the car unlocked or the keys accessible.

The NHTSA recommends drivers follow these simple tips to prevent their cars from being stolen or burglarized:

• Always take your vehicle’s key with you, and never leave it in or on your vehicle.

• Close and lock all windows and doors when parking.

• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.

• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially in places that are clearly visible from the outside. For more information about car theft prevention, visit the NHTSA’s dedicated website.