HANOVER, Pa. — Josh Dietrich didn't see or hear anything out of the ordinary last week. That's why he was shocked to find out his mom's car had been stolen.
"It was a quiet night, and it was like it usually is on our street," Dietrich said. "My mom came outside to head to her job and her car was gone."
On Tuesday, the Hanover Hanover Borough Police reported an increase in the number of motor vehicle thefts and break-ins over the last month.
"We'd just like some kind of answers," Dietrich said. "My mom had left some stuff that is really meaningful to her in the car, and it's all gone."
Hanover Borough Police said there have been numerous reports of unlocked vehicles being entered and rummaged through, break-ins of locked vehicles, and stolen vehicles in various areas in the borough.
Just one block over, Dietrich says several people's cars in the neighborhood were broken into, including Jeremy McBee's.
"It's not really a surprise," McBee said. "But it's happening more often."
He believes a more officers could deter the criminals.
"I'm a little more nervous to keep my car outside. I might just start putting it in the garage," McBee said. "I hope they step up the police presence in the area."
Investigators believe at least two young male suspects are involved but have not yet been able to identify them. The suspects wore dark clothing, including hooded sweatshirts and face coverings, according to police.
The thefts generally occur in the overnight hours, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., police said. They're happening all over the area.
Amanda Schultz caught burglars on camera breaking into her family's cars along Broadway.
"At first I thought it was my son outside," she said. "Then I was like, ‘Wait, that's not him.’"
She wants others to know about the issue and to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.
"Just be aware, you know, keep an eye out," Schultz said. "If you see something, say something, post it on Facebook. Let everybody know."
Since March 10, there have been six vehicles stolen in Hanover Borough, according to police. In all six instances, the vehicles were unsecured and the keys to the vehicles were left accessible.
Additionally, most of the vehicles that have been reported entered, whether property was taken or not, during this period of time were left unlocked, according to police.
The police department shared the following safety tips to residents:
- Lock the doors and close all of the windows to your vehicles at all times.
- Do not leave keys or key fobs to any vehicles inside or outside the vehicle.
- If possible, park in well-lighted areas.
- Do not leave running vehicles unattended.
- Remove all valuables from the vehicle or place them out of sight.
- Consider installing security cameras that surveil where your vehicle(s) is parked.
Anyone observing suspicious persons or activity (subjects looking into vehicles, trying door handles, etc.) is asked to call 911 immediately to make a report.
Anyone having information or surveillance video on the recent theft activities that have occurred within the borough should contact the police department at 717-637-5575, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or submit a tip online.