WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Hanlon reports that police are investigating a series of vehicle thefts and car break-ins that have occurred over the summer months.
On dates between June and August, police received reports of multiple vehicle break-ins in which certain neighborhoods were targeted. On June 7, vehicles on Cherry Street, Freedom Lane, Old Colony Way, Lazel Street and Raynor Avenue were ransacked. On Aug. 24, multiple vehicles were entered on Hopkins Drive. On Aug. 27, vehicles were broken into on Carleton Street, Pleasant Street and Whidden Avenue. Additional break-ins occurred on various dates on Court Street, Stetson Street and Whitman Avenue.
In two instances, unlocked vehicles were easily stolen because the keys were left inside. Two firearms were also stolen from an unlocked car and have not yet been recovered. In every case, vehicles were left unlocked, highlighting the importance of residents locking their cars.
Whitman Police are working with police departments from surrounding towns that have also reported a recent increase in car break-ins.
“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.”
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 the event of an emergency, call 911.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a motor vehicle was stolen every 31 seconds in the U.S. in 2023, totaling more than 1 million in the year.
The NHTSA and Whitman Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting their vehicles.
- 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.”
If your vehicle has been stolen or broken into, follow these steps:
- 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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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Whitman Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting their vehicles. (John Guilfoil Public Relations)