Cambridge Police Warn West Cambridge Residents of Larcenies from Motor Vehicles, Attempted Housebreak

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., January 13, 2015 – The Cambridge Police are alerting West Cambridge residents of a series of larcenies that were reported from motor vehicles this past weekend, as well as an attempted housebreak. At least seven incidents occurred between Friday and Monday; three of which involved suspect(s) entering garages and breaking into motor vehicles. An unknown suspect(s) broke into the motor vehicles – primarily during the overnight hours -- with loose change and a cell phone among the targeted items.   

The motor vehicle break-ins have been reported in the West Cambridge neighborhood on the following streets:

• Brattle Street (2)
• Channing Place  
• Grozier Road
• Hubbard Park Road (2)

In addition, an attempted housebreak was conducted at a Fresh Pond Lane residence.

In one of the incidents, in which suspect(s) gained access to a vehicle via a garage, they also managed to steal two specialized bicycles. The other incidents featured vehicle entry by smashed windows and unlocked doors. 

Cambridge Police have directed patrols in place in these areas, but are encouraging motorists to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their vehicles, and their belongings from theft:

• NEVER LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR.
• Make sure all of your car doors are locked and windows are rolled up when leaving your vehicle, including when parked in a residential driveway.
• If you must leave packages or valuables in your car, place them in the trunk or under a blanket to conceal them so that they are not exposed.
• Report thefts as soon as possible to the police and always call 9-1-1 if you see any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Additional tips to help you protect your vehicles and belongings from theft can be found at www.CambridgePolice.org/SafetyTips. For more information about crime in Cambridge, please reference the latest edition of the December 2014 BridgeStat, which is located at www.CambridgePolice.org/BridgeStat.

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The Cambridge Police Department is committed to the enforcement of laws and preservation of order that protect the rights and property of every person within the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of police service and to impact crime, and its associated elements, through the utilization of new and proven crime prevention strategies and problem-solving partnerships with our community.  For more information, follow @CambridgePolice on Twitter, or access the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CambridgePolice.