ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Police are investigating a recent string of stolen items from cars in the community.
Three incidents were reported over a single weekend, with thefts occurring in the 600 block of South Rembrandt Avenue, the 2200 block of East Hudson Avenue, and the 200 block of South Vermont Avenue.
Investigators told Local 4 that all of these thefts were preventable.
Police are urging residents to lock their vehicles to avoid becoming victims.
Ring camera footage captured a prowler going from car to car in a driveway just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 16.
Although nothing was taken in that instance, other vehicles in Royal Oak were not as fortunate.
Lt. Rich Millard of the Royal Oak Police Department said sometimes these thefts are organized, involving a crew, while other times they are opportunistic.
The police received multiple reports overnight on Nov. 15 and 16 of stolen jewelry and wallets taken from unlocked vehicles.
At last check, investigators say they haven’t received any new reports.
“This general pocket of Royal Oak feels very secure, but I acknowledge that we live in a big city,” said Austin Harrington, a resident.
Royal Oak police emphasized that they have not seen an increase in crime trends and want to keep it that way.
“It’s common sense – you don’t leave a laptop or a wallet with credit cards in it,” said Anthony Panella, a neighbor. “I think sometimes, maybe people think they locked their car – I don’t know, I don’t understand that one.”
Police stress that locking car doors is the first and most important step to deterring theft.
Some people may avoid locking their cars out of fear that thieves will break windows, but police say most thieves will not target locked vehicles.