Rash of Thefts From Unlocked Cars in Paoli Area

Willistown Police are investigating multiple nighttime thefts from vehicles that occurred in the Willistown Acres neighborhood and Paoli section of the township. Items were stolen from 12 vehicles from March 6 to 9.

Some were parked in the street, some were in driveways, and one was in an open garage. There was no forced entry in any case—all the vehicles were unlocked, to the chagrin of the police.

“When you leave something in the open, it’s an open invitation to these guys," Willistown Det. Steve Jones said. "Especially when you leave your door unlocked."

Stolen items included credit cards, cash, purses, wallets, GPS systems, cameras and a laptop computer.

Jones said that criminals count on residents not expecting crime in a quiet suburban neighborhood, and not locking their cars and taking their valuables indoors. He also expressed concern that the thieves are becoming more brazen, for example, walking up driveways instead of only targeting cars in the street.