Colder weather is here and we know that no one likes to get into a cold car. We get it. You want to start your car to let it warm up, defrost the windows and be ready to go when you are. 

The problem with that scenario is that unless you have a remote starter system installed you are going to have to leave the keys in an unattended vehicle. Thieves are on the lookout for what the PA Auto Theft Prevention Authority calls "puffers". Those are cars that are left running, unattended with the keys inside and you can tell them by the visible puffs of exhaust in the cold air. 

These crimes of opportunity lead to the theft of vehicles all over the area. Most cars manufactured after 2010 have factory installed anti-theft features that make it all but impossible to start the car without the vehicle keys. The days of brute force on an ignition with a screwdriver or "slam hammer" are mostly in the past. Thieves need access to keys to steal the vehicle. That is why we always stress the crime prevention advice to lock your car, take your keys and remove valuables from your car. 

We had (2) such thefts in Lancaster City yesterday afternoon, December 10, 2020. At 1607 hrs. a motorist went into the Turkey Hill at 870 Manor St. A 2003 Toyota Camry was left unattended and running by the owner as he went into the store. (3) males got into the Camry and left the scene. The owner contacted Police and Officers responded to the area. After a description of the vehicle was provided Off. Dickinson spotted the Camry near the intersection of W. King St. and W. Strawberry St. 

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle on Union St. but the driver failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The driver of the Camry struck an occupied vehicle near the intersection of Union St and Hershey Ave. The pursuit was terminated after the vehicle was last seen on Wabank St. 

Officers were still a distance away when they saw the Camry on Hazel St. near S. Queen St. The occupants of the Camry exited the vehicle and left the area on foot. Off. Deitz secured the Camry. Other Officers spotted the driver of the Camry in Woodward Hill Cemetery. Officers apprehended the driver after a brief foot pursuit. The other (2) occupants of the Camry were not located. Detectives are working on identifying those (2) suspects. 

The driver was identified as Kevon A. McCain M/18 of the 300 blk. Pershing Ave. Lancaster, PA. Det. Willard Smith filed a Criminal Complaint against McCain, charging him with Theft By Unlawful Taking (F3), Receiving Stolen Property (F3), Fleeing or Eluding Police (F3), Accidents to Attended Vehicle or Property (M3), Driving While Suspended (S), Stop Signs and Yield Signs (S). McCain was processed on the complaint and held for arraignment. He was later committed to LCP in lieu of $25,000 bail. 

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Kevon McCain M/18 300 blk. Pershing Ave. Lancaster, PA 17602

At 1719 hrs. a motorist left a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze unattened with the keys inside, near the intersection of S. Queen St. and Farnum St. Officers from Lancaster City checked the area but were not able to locate the vehicle. 

At 2116 hrs. Officers from East Lampeter Twp. Police located the stolen Chevy on the 2100 blk. Lincoln Hwy. East. ELTPD were able to apprehend (5) occupants that were in the vehicle. The driver was identified as Ebony Govan-Brison F/18 of Lancaster, PA. (4) occupants were juveniles. ELTPD took the investigation for Receiving Stolen Property in their jurisdiction. Govam-Brison was charged with RSP and (4) counts Corruption of Minors. Her bail was set at $75,000 unsecured. We Thank ELTPD for their efforts and assistance with this incident. 

The common thread between these (2) thefts yesterday and the majority of auto thefts happening in 2020 is the ability for suspects to have access to the vehicle keys. We would remind vehicle owners and drivers to lock your cars, take your keys and do not leave valuable items in the vehicle. In this season of holiday shopping, thieves are window shopping in cars on the streets of Lancaster City. Do not allow them to make a victim out of you. 

Theft Prevention PSA in English & Spanish