City police investigating nine incidents involving parked vehicles

Larcenies from Auto– Please continue reading for important tips below!
Between Dec. 30, 2016 and Jan. 2, 2017, Manassas City Police responded to several calls for reports of larcenies from nine autos. In most cases, vehicles were left unlocked and parked directly outside of the victim’s residence at the time thefts occurred.

Several vehicle owners reported that no items had been stolen but that their vehicles were still rummaged through. In other cases, some vehicles were broken into for items of as little value as $5.

• Reported Jan. 2, 2017: Occurred between Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. 8400 block of Braxted Ln, Larceny from Auto, $100, taken Mp3 player, no description of suspect available.

• Reported Jan. 1, 2017: Occurred between 12 a.m. on Dec. 30 and 1:20 p.m. on Jan. 1, 10100 block of Trinity Ln, Larceny from Auto, $320 taken in cash and miscellaneous items,  no description of suspect available.

• Reported Dec. 31, 2016: Occurred between 5 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 8 a.m. on Dec. 31, 9200 block of Taney Rd, Larceny from Auto, $5 taken in cash and coins, no description of subject available.

• Reported Dec. 31, 2016, Occurred Between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Dec. 31, *two vehicles* on the 9100 block of Verbena Ct, Larceny from Auto, $25 in tools taken, no description of suspect available.

Reported Dec. 31, 2016, Occurred in overnight hours of Dec. 30, *four vehicles* in the 9100 block of Verbena Ct, Tampering with Vehicle, Rummaged through no description of suspect(s) available.

Reported Dec. 30, 2016, occurred between 5 p.m. on Dec. 29 and 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 30, *two vehicles* on the 9500 block of Harvest Pl, Larceny from Auto, $5 in loose change taken, no description of suspect(s) available.

Crime Prevention Tips:
Larcenies from vehicle, theft of motor vehicle parts, and vandalisms to auto are the most commonly reported property offenses in the City of Manassas. Valuables left in plain sight inside a vehicle offer a tempting reward for criminals, especially if gaining access could be as simple as opening an unlocked door. To avoid becoming a victim of larceny, residents are strongly urged to consider the following tips:

1. Lock all vehicle doors and windows. (It doesn’t hurt to double-check. Many victims thought they had left their vehicles locked before the theft took place. “Before you sleep, make sure it beeped!”)

2. Park your vehicle in a well-lit and/or in a populous location

3. Conceal all valuables before arriving at your destination. Never underestimate the value of something to someone else. Even spare change can entice a thief to break in and steal other items once inside.

4. Report all suspicious activity by calling 703-257-8000. It never hurts to have a pen and paper ready by the phone in the event you are able to provide a description of what you saw.