Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Thieves targeted unlocked cars in the Belinda City neighborhood overnight, and officers chased the thieves into Nashville after they just stole an unlocked car with the keys inside. Overnight, a group of thieves swarmed Belinda Parkway, Alsdale Road, and Stone Hill Road in search of unlocked cars to burglarize. When they discovered an unlocked car, it was ransacked as they searched for anything of value.
The unknown burglars took cash, credit cards, and 2 loaded handgun magazines. In one particular incident, the suspect(s) found a key in an unlocked car and sped off with the car. An officer in the area spotted the stolen car and chased it into Nashville, but the pursuit was cancelled due to high speeds. It is believed that the thieves typically travel in groups, using two cars, to travel to neighborhoods to commit the burglaries. The driver typically stays with the getaway car as the thieves swiftly canvas the neighborhood for unlocked cars.
Residents are urged to remove all valuables from their cars and ensure doors are locked. Each of these crimes could have been prevented by simply locking the car. Also, homeowners are asked to check their outdoor surveillance video footage to see if any suspects were caught on camera operating in the area.
“We believe the individuals committing these crimes are not from the community. However, they are coming to Mt. Juliet and taking advantage of our sense of safety,” stated Chief James Hambrick. “Similar crimes, along with gun store burglaries, have been happening all over the Nashville area. We have already stepped-up our patrols in light of this activity, and our officers continue their hard work to keep the thieves out of Mt. Juliet. Our community must remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and practice good crime prevention: locking car doors, removing valuables, and turning on the exterior lights at home.”
A $500.00 cash reward is being offered to anyone that can provide information that leads to the conviction of the offenders responsible for these crimes.
Anyone with any information regarding the burglaries 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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