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Caught On Camera: Thieves Target Dozens Of Unlocked Cars In Arapahoe County

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is reminding people to lock their car doors following a rash of car break-ins. Investigators shared home surveillance video of one suspect testing car door handles before rummaging through one vehicle that was left unlocked overnight.

Theft from Unlocked Cars

PLEASE LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS AT NIGHT. In Arapahoe County, the number of thefts from unlocked vehicles is staggering -- and it's getting worse by the day. The message is simple: "Don't leave your car door unlocked," but it's a message people need to hear. ✨ It's never a good idea to leave guns, wallets, keys, purses, computers or other valuables in your car overnight no matter how nice a neighborhood you live in. Criminals use your trust to target you and those thefts lead to even more loss, such as identity theft or credit card fraud. ✨ The worst hit areas right now are near Parker and Arapahoe Rd. and Quincy west of E-470. This video is just one of many we've received lately showing criminals stealing from unlocked cars. PLEASE be more diligent in securing your cars at night and don't give criminals an open invitation to steal your stuff! #Lockyourcar #Removevaluables #Fightcrime

Posted by Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, June 16, 2020

 

The video is just one of many the sheriff's office has received showing criminals stealing from unlocked cars. Deputies want to remind residents that it's never a good idea to leave guns, wallets, keys, purses, computers or other valuables in your car overnight.

"The number of thefts from unlocked vehicles is staggering -- and it's getting worse by the day," said the sheriff's office in a post on Facebook. "The message is simple: 'Don't leave your car door unlocked,' but it's a message people need to hear."

Investigators said the suspects, who are believed to be about 16 to 25 years old, are targeting districts 6 and 7 every night. The worst-hit areas are near Parker and Arapahoe Rd. and Quincy west of E-470.

A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said one investigator has nearly 100 car break-in cases on his desk right now. The sheriff's office plans to set up an electronic sign this week to warn residents about the spike in car break-ins.

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