WHITMAN, Mass. (WWLP) – The Whitman Police is asking the public for assistance in identifying suspects involved in stealing a vehicle.
According to the Whitman Police Department, two suspects are seen in the surveillance video from a South Avenue business. At around 4 a.m. on August 8th, they allegedly stole a vehicle which was later recovered by Massachusetts State Police after it was involved in a crash.
Stolen Massachusetts puppies found safe Whitman Police Chief Timothy Hanlon said there have been a series of vehicle thefts and car break-ins over the summer months. The reports of multiple vehicle break-ins show that certain neighborhoods were targeted.
Police say that in every case, the vehicles were left unlocked, two were stolen due to the keys being left inside, and two firearms were stolen that have not yet been recovered.
- June 7: Cherry Street, Freedom Lane, Old Colony Way, Lazel Street, and Raynor Avenue vehicles were ransacked.
- August 24: Hopkins Drive – multiple vehicles were entered.
- August 27: Carleton Street, Pleasant Street, and Whidden Avenue – vehicles were broken into.
- Court Street, Stetson Street and Whitman Avenue – additional break-ins occurred on various dates.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is that our residents remember to lock their vehicle doors,” Chief Hanlon said. “We can greatly reduce the number of break-ins if people remember to simply lock their doors. These thieves are not taking the time to try to enter locked vehicles as it increases the amount of time they are there and the likelihood that they will be caught.”
If you can identify the suspects or have any information you are being asked to call Whitman Police at 781-447-1212.
The NHTSA and Whitman Police provided a list of tips to ensure your vehicle safety:
- Take your keys. Don’t leave them in your 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 cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight.
- Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible. Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
- Get in the routine of double-checking that your vehicle is locked and secure each night around 9 p.m. This is known as the “9 p.m. Routine.”
What to do if your vehicle has been stolen or broken into:
- Call 911 to report a vehicle theft or break-in. A copy of the police report and/or a case number will be needed to provide to your insurance company.
- You may be asked to provide the license plate number, make, model and color of the car, the VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discover your vehicle was stolen or broken into.
- If you find your vehicle before authorities, contact the police immediately and then your insurance company.
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