Vehicle Break-ins Rampant in Witch City

A day without at least one report of a motor vehicle break-in in the Salem police log seems rare these days.

Since 2008, have seen an 11.6 percent increase in crimes involving thefts/larceny/break-ins and motor vehicles (breaking & entering to a motor vehicle, larceny from a motor vehicle, larceny of motor vehicle parts, theft of motor vehicle and unauthorized use).

Chief Paul Tucker said motor vehicle break-ins and thefts from vehicles are particularly rampant.

"That to me is a big problem we have," Tucker said, adding he estimates approximately 95 percent of car break-ins occur when people leave cars unlocked.

"People leave briefcases, wallets, $1,500 purses, passports and GPS [devices] in their cars all the time," Tucker said.

Sometimes, Tucker said, people leave their valuables in the car when they go to the gym, assuming their items are safer in the car than in the gym. When they come out, items are stolen, the chief said.

In October 2010, Salem Patch reported on that was so alarming, City officials send a reverse 911 call to residents, warning of the risk.

At the time, Detective Thomas Brennan attibuted the upsurge in break-ins to the economy.

Brennan advised residents "to remove any items of value, any items of worth [from vehicles]." The detective also recommended residents with GPS systems use windshield wipes "to wipe off suction cup marks," which could clue potential burglars in to the presence of potential electronic devices in the car.

By the Numbers:

Recent Police Log Calls:

• Published March 15: Sunday at 12:48 p.m., two callers reported their motor vehicles were broken into while parked in front of the lot of the YMCA on Leggs Hill Road. Police said entry was gained between 12:20 and 12:45 p.m. Officials said a wallet and pocketbook were reported stolen. Police said one of the reporting parties said she saw two males in a car next to her acting suspiciously before she went into the building.

• Published March 18: At 6:23 a.m. Wednesday, a Briggs Street caller reported a tire had been stolen off a vehicle overnight. Police said the driver's side rear rim and tire had been taken and the lug nuts were stripped.

• Published March 22: At 12:11 a.m. Sunday, Police received a call about a suspicious party near a motor vehicle on Ord Street. When the officer arrived, police said he spoke with the calling party who said he and his son saw a man walk up to his vehicle and pull on the handle. When the male saw them, the caller said he fled on foot up Ord Street toward . Police said they were unable to locate anyone matching the description the caller gave.

• Published March 25: Police responded to Gardner Street at 8:38 a.m. Wednesday on a report of a motor vehicle break-in. Police said the caller told them she parked her car in the rear lot of her residence the night prior at approximately 10:30 p.m. In the morning, she discovered someone entered the rear vehicle by breaking the rear driver's side window. Officers said it appeared the party tried to pry open the driver's side door and while doing so, the window shattered. Multiple items including a GPS system, flashlight and fleece jacket were stolen, police said.

• Published March 28: Police responded to Buffum Street at 12:01 p.m. Saturday on a report of a past break into a motor vehicle. Police said the caller reported that sometime overnight, an unknown party broke into his van and stole several items including tools and copper pipe. The officer observed that the passenger side lock was damaged by the thief.