ADVISORY: Police Warn Residents about Larcenies from Motor Vehicles

The Cambridge Police Department is warning residents of an increase in larcenies from motor vehicles in Cambridge and surrounding communities.

The most targeted area in Cambridge appears to be the Cambridgeport neighborhood; however Riverside, Mid-Cambridge, and Area 4 have all experienced a large number of larcenies from motor vehicles in recent weeks.

In the vast majority of cases, visible items were taken from unlocked vehicles, even those parked in driveways.

“Anything visible is an invitation to a car break,” said Deputy Superintendent Paul Ames.  “We cannot stress enough how important it is for people to remove any and all items from their vehicles and to always, always lock the doors.”

Cambridge Police have directed patrols in place in these areas, but residents are encouraged to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their vehicles, and their belongings from theft:

• NEVER LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR.
• Make sure all of your car doors are locked and windows are rolled up when leaving your vehicle, including when parked in a residential driveway.
• If you must leave packages or valuables in your car, place them in the trunk or under a blanket to conceal them so that they are not exposed.

Additional tips for how you can protect your vehicles and belongings from theft can be found at www.CambridgePolice.org/SafetyTips.

If you are a victim of this type of crime, even if your vehicle was not damaged or you did not suffer the loss of valuables, it is important that you report the incident to police at 617-349-3300.  This information is important and helps CPD track trends and patterns throughout the City.

Residents are encouraged to access the BridgeStat Monthly Crime Report for October which will be released on Friday, November 1^st at www.CambridgePolice.org/BridgeStat for more information on this crime and other issues in the city.