Every so often, we get a wave of overnight car break-ins.  “Break-ins” might be generous, though - these folks aren’t smashing windows or picking locks.  They’re just walking down your street, trying every car door like it’s free sample day at Costco.  If it’s locked, they move on.  If it’s unlocked, they’re going in.

They’re not looking for Fabergé eggs.  They’ll happily settle for pocket change, phone chargers, sunglasses, or anything else they can fit in a hoodie pocket.  Occasionally, they hit the jackpot: laptops, tablets, wallets, and yes, even firearms.

Meanwhile, your vehicle is left looking like a raccoon got into it.  On the bright side, your mysterious, capless cupholder chapstick is finally someone else’s problem.

And yes, before you say it, we know you live in a safe neighborhood.  That’s where this happens!  All the time!  Safe doesn’t mean invisible.  The only people more consistent than Amazon drivers in the suburbs are the ones checking your door handles at 3 a.m.

Who’s doing this?  Usually it’s teenagers with too much free time and zero ambition, or grown adults who think filling out a job application isn't worth their time; these aren’t criminal masterminds.  And while they may be lazy, that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.  We’ve taken reports for guns stolen out of cars.  Guns later used in robberies or drive-by shootings because someone “felt disrespected.”  That stack of old napkins and envelopes isn’t effective at hiding your pistola.

While we’re on the subject, one of the best pieces of evidence we can get is footage from your security cameras. But more often than not, people don’t keep their subscriptions active—so no video gets recorded when it matters most.

And one more important thing - even if nothing is stolen, call us anyway.  An attempted break-in is still theft from a motor vehicle, and we will pursue charges.  Every time someone tries, it matters.  Don’t shrug it off, help us hold these offenders accountable.

Lock your car.  Take your valuables inside.  And maybe double-check that your Ring or Blink subscription didn’t expire three months ago.  Live View is great—if you happen to be watching in real time at 3 a.m.

And remember - Give us a shout if you need us. 

MEDIA POST CONTACT: Lieutenant Michael T. Piacentino, W: 717-569-6401 Ext: 1583, C: 717-340-2130, piacentinom@manheimtownshippolice.org