*UPDATE — VIDEO* Whitman Police Investigate Series of Car Thefts and Break-Ins

Surveillance video from a South Avenue business shows two suspects stealing a vehicle around 4 a.m. on August 8. The vehicle, which was involved in a crash, was recovered by Massachusetts State Police about an hour later. (Photo courtesy of Whitman Police Department)

**Note: This version adds a video the department released to identify suspects in connection with a recent car theft.

Click here to view and download the video.**

WHITMAN – Police Chief Timothy Hanlon reports that police are releasing surveillance video related to the investigation into a series of car thefts and car break-ins that occurred during the summer months.

Between June and August, police received reports of several car break-ins targeting specific neighborhoods. On June 7, vehicles were looted on Cherry Street, Freedom Lane, Old Colony Way, Lazel Street and Raynor Avenue. On August 24, several vehicles were broken into on Hopkins Drive. On August 27, vehicles were broken into on Carleton Street, Pleasant Street and Whidden Avenue. Additional break-ins occurred on separate days on Court Street, Stetson Street and Whitman Avenue.

In two cases, unlocked vehicles were easily stolen because the keys were left inside the vehicle. In addition, two firearms were stolen from an unlocked car and have not yet been recovered. In all cases, the vehicles remained unlocked, which shows how important it is for residents to lock their cars.

Whitman Police are working with police departments in surrounding cities that have also reported a recent increase in auto break-ins.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for our residents to remember to lock their car doors,” said Chief Hanlon. “We can significantly reduce the number of break-ins if people remember to simply lock their doors. These thieves don’t take the time to break into locked vehicles because they’ll be there longer and the likelihood of getting caught is increased.”

Anyone with information or video regarding the recent series of car thefts and break-ins is asked to contact Whitman Police at 781-447-1212. In an emergency, call 911.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, by 2023 a motor vehicle will be stolen every 31 seconds in the United States, for a total of more than 1 million per year.

The NHTSA and Whitman Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and reversing.

• Take your keys with you and do not leave them in the vehicle.
• Close all windows and lock all doors.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle and if you do, make sure they are out of sight.
• Never leave credit/debit cards, cash, or your wallet or purse in your vehicle overnight.
• Park in well-lit areas or, if possible, in a garage. Install lights with motion sensors near your parking space.
• Make it a habit to double check that your vehicle is locked and secured every night around 9 p.m. This is known as the “9 p.m. routine.”

If your vehicle has been stolen or broken into, follow these steps:

• Call 911 to report a vehicle theft or burglary. You will need a copy of the police report and/or a case number to provide to your insurance company.
• You may be asked to provide the car’s license plate number, make, model and color, VIN and other identifying information.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of discovering your vehicle was stolen or broken into.
• If you find your vehicle in the sight of the authorities, contact the police immediately and then your insurance company.

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