Since Sunday, 10 vehicle break-ins have been reported in White River Township.
Thieves aren’t just breaking into cars that are unlocked. They’ve been busting out windows and drilling through locks to gain access to items inside the car, according to reports taken on the incidents by deputies from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
All of the break-ins were reported in neighborhoods off Morgantown Road near Smith Valley Road and Fairview Road.
On Sunday, three break-ins were reported in the 900 block of Silver Creek Way and one incident each in the 400 block of Orkney Court, 5200 block of Lacy Place, 5400 block of Cody Lane, 5200 block of Berkshire North Boulevard, 140 block of Ceejay Drive and 5200 block of Tracey Jo Road, reports show.
An additional incident was reported on Monday morning in the 200 block of Innisbrook Drive. The homeowner said the incident could have occurred anytime since Saturday, so this one is likely tied to the other incidents, the reports say.
Items stolen have ranged widely. Several cars had thousands of dollars in tools stolen from inside, others had a semi-automatic pistol stolen, a basketball bag, a business checkbook, a subwoofer, a personalized pocket knife, designer sunglasses, clothes, golf cart parts and a Kitchen-Aid mixer, the reports show.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is looking for tips and videos leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects. There’s no working description at this time because, so far, any camera footage obtained during an incident hasn’t been clear, said Sheriff Duane Burgess. The sheriff’s office is asking for neighbors of victims to come forward if they have footage of the incidents.
Burgess also asks anyone else who thinks their car might have been broken into to contact the sheriff’s office.
Tips, video footage or additional incidents can be reported to Johnson County Public Safety Communications at 317-346-6336 or Sheriff’s Office Investigations at 317-346-4654 or 317-346-4615.
To prevent additional thefts, Burgess offered some safety tips.
Doors should always be locked because the majority of car break-ins occur because a car was unlocked, Burgess said. People should also keep items out of plain view by removing valuables from their vehicles or stowing them in the trunk of the hatchback, he said.
People should also keep in mind that any clue there might be a valuable object inside, such as a suction cup ring from a GPS or a charging cable, could attract thieves, Burgess said.
Thieves may also be on the lookout for people stowing valuables when they get to where they are going, so Burgess said it is wise to stow valuables before arriving at your destination.
If people see a theft in progress, they should call 911 immediately and provide as much information as possible to 911 dispatchers. People should provide specific details about where the theft happened and any details about the suspect or their vehicle, such as race, age, gender, hairstyle, clothing and other identifying details such as tattoos or piercings, Burgess said.
