Glendale Police: Vehicle Theft Is Up

According to a recent All Points Bulletin (APB), the Glendale Police Department has said they have seen a slight uptick in vehicle theft and burglary in recent weeks. Among the items being stolen are SUV third-row seats and vans containing power tools.

Department officials suggest SUV owners consider engraving the vehicle’s VIN number on the seat, using a bicycle lock with a cable to secure the seat to rear cargo holds as well as removing and storing the seat in a safe place when it is not being used.

Van owners in Glendale are urged to remove power tools from work vans when they are not being used or when it is anticipated the vehicle will be parked for long periods, such as overnight. They further suggest engraving all power tools with the vehicle owner’s driver’s license number.  Engraving, said department officials, makes the items more difficult to sell and easier to track.

Wallet and purse theft is also up, they said, reminding women to not hang their purse on the seat backs of restaurant chairs while dining.

Residents are also being cautioned of door-to-door home-improvement solicitor scams.  In some instances solicitors are using high-pressure sales tactics and requesting a large down payment be made on the spot. In other instances several salespeople will enter the home. One will distract the resident while the others steal items of value.

The Glendale PD asks that anyone who sees suspicious activity call and report it immediately.

---