Rash of larcenies from vehicles in Manassas city just before Christmas

Larcenies from Auto– Please continue reading for important tips below!
Between Dec. 21 and Dec. 24, 2016, Manassas City Police responded to several calls for reports of larcenies from auto. In most cases, vehicles were left unlocked and parked directly outside of the victim’s residence at the time thefts occurred. In one case, a suspect entered the victim’s vehicle by cutting the plastic that was covering a previously broken window.

• Reported Dec. 21, occurred between Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 in 8900 block of Weir St, Larceny from Auto, under $10 in loose change was missing. No description of suspect available.

• Reported Dec. 22, occurred between 9 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 8 a.m. on Dec. 22 in 10100 block of Lavender Flower Ct, Larceny from Auto, $120 sunglasses, flashlight, and loose change were missing. No description of suspect available.

• Reported Dec. 22, occurred in overnight hours of Dec. 21 in 9600 block of Brendel Way, Larceny from vehicle, $100 in gift cards missing. No description of suspect available.

• Reported Dec. 23, occurred between 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 6:20 a.m. on Dec. 2 in 8500 block of Braxted Ln, Larceny from Auto, $100 (Two vehicles targeted) cigarettes, cash missing; center console broken. No description of suspect available.

• Reported Dec. 24, occurred between 5 p.m. on Dec. 23 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 24 in 10300 block of Tito Ct, Larceny from Auto. $500, missing were several items intended as holiday gifts; center console rummaged through. No description of suspect 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, according to Adrienne Helms, police department spokesman.

During the holiday season, larcenies can easily spike if gifts and other valuables are left within plain view inside a vehicle, tempting a criminal to gain access whether by opening an unlocked door or smashing a window. 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.