UPDATE: A recent spike in auto thefts and car break-ins peaked from June 8 to 14, with 71 incidents reported. Chattanooga police arrested three juveniles on June 20th and 21st, believed to be linked to many of these crimes.

Since the arrests, reports have dropped significantly, but police say that the threat hasn’t disappeared.

To help curb thefts, community members are urged to lock their vehicles, hide valuables and firearms, and remove anything that might attract thieves.

PREVIOUS STORY: Police say 27 incidents of auto theft and break-ins were reported during the second week of June. The following week, that number increased to 37, and just a few days later, it jumped to 111.

Sergeant Randy Raulston with the Chattanooga Police Department Auto Crimes Unit says it's common for break-ins to spike over the summer, but this number is unusually high.

"It was more common back during COVID–the numbers back then,” Raulston says. “This was really high, and they targeted several areas, and they hit multiple during this spree."

Sergeant Raulston says the culprits are teens. With school out of session, kids are looking for other ways to pass the time. CPD has picked up on a few trends.

"Mostly, it's window smashings,” Raulston says. “Once they smash the windows, instead of reaching in through the car door, they're jumping in the car now. They'll get in, and rummage through the car. They'll actually try to start the car. If they can take the car, that's their number one, and if not, their next move will be looking for weapons or anything they can use to get money with."

CPD tells us the areas most prone to break-ins are apartment complexes and hotel or motel parking lots where vehicles are densely packed, making it easier to hop from one car to the next.

Raulston says the number of vehicle break-ins has tapered after arrests were made, but it’s crucial to take precautions and avoid falling victim.

"So many people leave stuff in plain view,” Raulston says. “I cannot count how many times people are just leaving guns in plain view and purses in plain view. Don't do that. Don't make yourself a target."

And, of course, always lock your doors! 

Source: [Link]