Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Overnight, Car Burglars targeted unlocked cars Mt. Juliet neighborhoods. The thieves struck the neighborhoods of Hickory Hills, Willoughby Station, Park Glen, Timber Trail, and Oak Hall. If a car was left unlocked, it was likely targeted by the unknown individuals looking to make money off whatever valuables were left in the unsecured vehicle. As of 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2015 a total of five Theft of Property from Auto reports were completed. One car had a .40 caliber Glock handgun stolen out of it.
“Car burglary is a crime of opportunity that is very easy for the thief to commit because so many people leave their car unlocked,” stated Mt. Juliet Police Lieutenant Tyler Chandler. “Car burglars typically operate in the early morning hours, hiding under the cover of darkness. Burglars run through neighborhoods, pulling on car door handles. After finding an unlocked car, the burglar then rummages through the car, looking for valuable items.”
It is believed that many of the car burglaries occur after 11:00 p.m. into the early morning hours. If a citizen sees someone acting suspiciously late at night, they are urged to call police.
It is easy to become complacent; however, residents and visitors should always take action to help prevent becoming a car burglary victim. Police offer the following advice:
- Always lock your car doors, even for quick stops or at home.
- Never leave valuables of any kind inside your vehicle. Hiding valuables may help, but it typically doesn’t work. If you must leave valuables in your car, put them in the trunk.
- Park in well-lit areas
- Stay alert, and call in any suspicious activity to the Mt. Juliet Police non-emergency number at (615) 754-2550.
Mt. Juliet Police is offering a $500 Cash Reward to information leading to the arrest and conviction of the car burglars operating in the community. Anyone with any information regarding the car burglars are encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/ .
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