Police probe uptick in theft from unlocked car incidents

ROCHESTER - Police are investigating a rash of thefts from car complaints that have occurred in different areas of the city in the past week.

Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said they have noticed a distinct uptick in the crime, including 20 reports in the past week and eight on Wednesday.

Police are investigating the possibility that the increased number of such cases are the result of the same suspect or suspects.

"One day they hit one neighborhood, the next day another," Pinkham said, adding that while the thefts are reported during the day, the theft, itself, may have easily occurred during the overnight.

In all cases reported on Wednesday the thefts occurred from unlocked vehicles. In some cases belongings inside the vehicles were tossed about but nothing was stolen, police reports indicate.

In one report a Meaderboro Road woman complains they went through her wallet, but didn't take her credit cards or the wallet and rummaged through her boyfriend's vehicle as well.

An Estes Road man reported someone stole change from his vehicle.

A Howard Brook Drive man called in to say his Ipod Nano had been taken.

All of the reported thefts on Wednesday took place on Meaderboro Road, Howard Brook Drive and Estes Road.

Pinkham urged residents to lock their cars, keep outside lights on and keep an eye on their neighbors' houses, too.