Announcement - June 2, 2003 - MLPA Crime Alert

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Recently we have been getting calls about vehicle thefts in the neighborhood. They seem to be getting bolder and more aggressive.

This past Sat. morning (May 31) a neighbor on Northview called to say that both of their vehicles were stolen Friday night in conjunction with a third vehicle that was stolen from a neighbor on San Antonio. What makes this particularly alarming is that the two vehicles were stolen from Northview while the residents were home.  The folks on Northview had just returned home in the early evening. Their front door was still open when someone must have walked in, taken a canvas bag filled with work files. The bag also contained car keys. The thief then got into their 1987 BMW, rolled it down the driveway hill into the street, and drove off.   The BMW was abandoned on San Antonio where the thief or thieves, then took another family's Volvo. The BMW was recovered and returned the same evening. The family awoke this morning (Sat/May31) to find that their Ford van had been stolen during the night. Also, the contents of the canvass bag that was taken contained personal data that could lead to identity theft, so the family is going to have to change account numbers and passwords.

This theft is bold and aggressive. The thief walked into the residence and took the bag and with some stealth took the BMW while the residents were home in the house. Then some time after stealing a second car, returned to the scene of the original crime and stole a third, the van, again while people were in the house. All this occurred the during an 8-12 hour period.

Residents are advised to take extra measures to secure their vehicles, and to lock house doors immediately after returning home. Leaving bags, briefcases, etc. containing keys and important papers in secure places, away from entryways is also advised. The APD and MSP are on the case and will remain on the lookout.

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