A series of car-related thefts in Whiteland and New Whiteland has police on alert and urging residents to remember to lock their cars.
Whiteland Police received several reports of thefts from vehicles and at least one report of a stolen vehicle in the Meadowcreek neighborhood on Tuesday. Thefts were also reported on Christina Drive, south of Meadowcreek, and in New Whiteland, said Rick Shipp, Whiteland police chief.
Police believe a group of four to five people were involved in the thefts, which possibly occurred between 1-4 a.m. All of the cars that were broken into were unlocked, Shipp said.
It is also believed the suspects had checked to see if the cars were unlocked before running down the street and coming back to break into them. There were no signs of forced entry, he said.
Items stolen include change, a bow and arrows, and a handgun. In the case of the stolen vehicle, an unlocked truck, the keys were left inside, Shipp said.
The investigation is still ongoing, and police do not have a lot of information to go on. Whiteland police are currently working to get any doorbell camera footage or other security footage from the areas, Shipp said.
The series of thefts is unusual for Whiteland, which has not had anything like this happen, Shipp said. If people see anything suspicious, or see people walking the neighborhood in the middle of the night, he encourages them to contact the police.
“If they’re moving after that time, if they’re on foot, they’re up to no good,” he said.
It is also important sure your car is locked and to avoid leaving valuable items in your car. Not doing so invites criminals to come back to steal them, Shipp said.
“Just make sure to lock your car and get your valuables,” Shipp said.
Anyone with any information can contact Whiteland Police at 317-535-8100 or the non-emergency line for Johnson County Dispatch at 317-346-6336.
