POWNAL, Vt. — The rash of car break-ins that hit Williamstown, Mass. earlier this month has crossed the border.
Vermont State Police reported Monday 21 reports of unlocked cars being broken into during the weekend. Sergeant Brian Turner said the Vermont Fusion Center, a collaboration of law enforcement agencies, advised police that the two sprees could be linked because of the similarities.
"It could be up to 30 or 40 cars that were broken into," Turner said Monday. "They were all unlocked."
Similar to the Williamstown, Mass. break-ins, locked cars were not touched, items are being found on the side of the road near the incident and the stolen items range from money to electronics to personal items.
The thefts occurred between midnight and 6 a.m. Sunday on Barber Pond, Puddingstone, Middle Pownal, and Maple Grove roads.
"We're getting some tips in that we have to follow up on and we do have suspects," Turner said. "It's kind of like they are walking and just taking what they want." Earlier this month,
Williamstown, Mass. Police Chief Kyle Johnson said 22 unlocked vehicles were broken into and money, electronics – like GPS systems and digital cameras – and personal items were stolen. In some cases, personal effects were found on the roadside a short distance away.
According to Johnson, the vehicles were entered overnight in 16 locations including Main Street, North Street, Lindley Terrace, Buckley Street, Jamieson Heights, Porter Street, Belden Street, Henderson Road, North Hoosac Road, Sand Springs Road, Summer Street and Walnut Street.
Williamstown Experiences Slew of Vehicle Break-ins
Original Post: By: Staff Reports On: 11:26AM / Monday April 04, 2011
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Police continue to field reports of stolen items from unlocked cars during the weekend.
Police Chief Kyle Johnson said as of Monday 22 unlocked vehicles were broken into over the weekend and reports keep coming. Money, electronics - like GPS systems and digital cameras - and personal items were stolen. In some cases, personal effects were found on the roadside a short distance away.
Johnson said police currently do not have any leads in finding the culprit and asks that suspicious activity is reported immediately.
According to Johnson, the vehicles were entered overnight in 16 locations around town, including Main Street, North Street, Lindley Terrace, Buckley Street, Jamieson Heights, Porter Street, Belden Street, Henderson Road, North Hoosac Road, Sand Springs Road, Summer Street and Walnut Street.
Police are urging residents to remove all valuables and secure their vehicles.
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These vehicles were illegally entered but not broken into. Is the pubishment different if they entered and stole from an unlocked vehicle compared to a locked vehicle?
Editor: Good question. Anyone know the answer? I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)
Breaking and Entering means to Break or Cross the barrier of property. Whether or not the vehicle or house etc is locked or not once the barrier of that property is crossed...i.e the door or window it is deemed a B&E.
Other factors to consider is the time of day the offense is taken place - whether or not whatever is stolen is over or under 250 dollars and if damage was done to vehicle or property during the course of the offense.
It's the usual article from Williamstown "unlocked vehicles entered." every year Chief Johnson asks that "suspicious activity is reported immediately." People in Williamstown believe they live in a utopia where nothing ever happens, yet, every year, crime happens here. It wasn't that long ago 100+ cars were broken into, and everyone was "unlocked." Read the town report and see how many things are stolen in town.
Great job Williamstown residents for again making it easy for the dirt bag thieves!!!! I lock my doors and remove all my property, I suggest to everyone they do the same!!
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