According to the Aug. 27 release, BPD recorded 19 reports of vehicle theft from Aug. 12 to Aug. 19. The next week, that number rose to 30 — a 57-percent increase.
Targeted in these thefts were anything of value, including wallets, purses and backpacks.
One victim reported losing more than $150 in case in one of the break-ins.
Most thefts occurred between South Washington Street and South Ballantine Road.
Throughout last year, BPD received nearly 600 reports of automobile thefts. These reports constitute about one-third of all theft-related incidents reported to the police department, according to the release.
Although many of these incidents included entry into vehicles through smashed windows, 45 percent of them were due to vehicles being unlocked, according to the release.
Anicka Slachta
