An increase in vehicle break-ins in White River Township has prompted law enforcement to warn residents to be vigilant.
For the last few weeks, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in vehicles being broken into in the township. Deputies have told residents to make sure they lock their vehicles and take valuables inside at night. Patrols have also been increased in neighborhoods, and the sheriff’s office’s road enforcement division is working to catch the individuals involved, according to a news release.
Several residents have supplied the sheriff’s office with Ring Camera videos, which are being viewed by investigators. The agency applauded those who had cameras on their homes.
The suspects in these incidents appear to be on foot and traveling from house to house. They appear to be using a flashlight to illuminate the interior of vehicles parked in driveways and on the street, the news release says.
These thefts range from purses, wallets, loose money and firearms. Many of them occurred when vehicles had valuable items in plain sight inside an unlocked vehicle, according to the news release
Areas and neighborhoods that have been affected so far are:
- Nov. 28: 4000 block of Primerose Path; Carefree North. Stolen purse found in yard.
- Dec. 5: 330 block of Western Boulevard. Multiple items stolen, window was broken.
- Dec. 8: 4500 block of Hickory Ridge Boulevard; Hickory Stick. Stolen License Plate.
- Dec. 8: 300 block of Wakefield Trace; Wakefield. Suspicious person.
- Dec. 15: 4600 block of Fox Moore Lane; Brentridge. Stolen firearm.
- Dec. 15: 4800 block of Brentridge Place; Brentridge. Stolen wallet.
- Dec. 15: 1900 block of Skyline Drive; Mark II. Stolen Laptop.
- Dec. 15: 3300 block of Streamside Drive; Smokey Row Estates. Stolen mail from mailbox.
- Dec. 16: 2100 block of Bodine Place; Brentridge. Suspicious person.
During these incidents, the thieves can go from house to house quietly checking for valuables inside vehicles. Thefts have also been reported when items of value are observed inside locked vehicles, the news release says.
If the item is valuable enough, thieves are willing to break vehicle windows to gain access to these items. Deputies say residents should not leave valuables inside their vehicles overnight, always lock their doors, never leave firearms in vehicles and always secure them in a safe place inside their homes.
If residents happen to have security video they believe might contain evidence, they are asked to call the JCSO. Additionally, the agency asks that suspicious activity be reported, especially in the evening hours, according to the news release.
When calling 911, residents should provide an address, block number or specific location in a parking lot. They should provide as much information as they can, including the description of the suspect, the sheriff’s office said.
Suspect descriptors include sex, race, approximate age, height, weight, hair color, length of hair, facial hair and type of clothing.
People should also provide their direction of travel and say whether there are any vehicles in the area. Vehicle descriptors include what type of vehicle, color, whether it has a loud exhaust and its plate number, the news release says.
“Call local law enforcement when you see something suspicious,” the news release says. “It may seem like it’s nothing, but there are times that information can help us solve a crime.”
