(March 3, 2016) Police in Ocean Pines are investigating a series of thefts from unlocked automobiles last month and are cautioning residents to secure their vehicles and remove any items of value.
Vicki Magin, who has lived in Ocean Pines for eight years, said she awoke on a recent Sunday morning to discover her ride had been ransacked.
“It was a snatch and run,” she said. “They took change and a piece of jewelry.”
Despite both next-door neighbors having canines and the presence of security lights, Magin said thieves absconded with jewelry she described as not excessively valuable but also not inexpensive. The jewelry was left in the car because she was planning to have repairs performed.
“You could tell someone had ransacked the console,” she said. “They didn’t take the spare keys to the other vehicle.”
Conjecturing that the opportunistic thieves were likely kids, Magin said a neighbor told her something caused their dog to bark about 11:30 p.m., which coincided with a car alarm being triggered.
From her experience such occurrences are out of character for the area. Recalling an incident about a year ago, Magin said she had ventured to the grocery store only to realize her purse was still home. Her mind was eased when she returned home to find the purse sitting untouched on her front steps.
“I’ve never felt threatened or unsafe,” she said.
Nevertheless, Magin said in the wake of recent disturbances, she has started locking the screen door.
Magin said although she does not fear for her safety, the security lights around her home have been recalibrated to stay on longer. She also wants neighbors to be especially vigilant.
“Often people hear noises, like car alarms or see security lights go on and pay it little mind,” she said.
According to police reports most of the thefts occurred in the early morning hours, with the culprits targeting electronic devices, money and personal items. Residents are being advised to lock vehicles and remove any valuable property.
Police are requesting that anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it right away. Also anyone with information about the series of break-ins should contact Cpl. Tish Ottey of the Ocean Pines Police at 410-641-7747.
Vicki Magin, who has lived in Ocean Pines for eight years, said she awoke on a recent Sunday morning to discover her ride had been ransacked.
“It was a snatch and run,” she said. “They took change and a piece of jewelry.”
Despite both next-door neighbors having canines and the presence of security lights, Magin said thieves absconded with jewelry she described as not excessively valuable but also not inexpensive. The jewelry was left in the car because she was planning to have repairs performed.
“You could tell someone had ransacked the console,” she said. “They didn’t take the spare keys to the other vehicle.”
Conjecturing that the opportunistic thieves were likely kids, Magin said a neighbor told her something caused their dog to bark about 11:30 p.m., which coincided with a car alarm being triggered.
From her experience such occurrences are out of character for the area. Recalling an incident about a year ago, Magin said she had ventured to the grocery store only to realize her purse was still home. Her mind was eased when she returned home to find the purse sitting untouched on her front steps.
“I’ve never felt threatened or unsafe,” she said.
Nevertheless, Magin said in the wake of recent disturbances, she has started locking the screen door.
Magin said although she does not fear for her safety, the security lights around her home have been recalibrated to stay on longer. She also wants neighbors to be especially vigilant.
“Often people hear noises, like car alarms or see security lights go on and pay it little mind,” she said.
According to police reports most of the thefts occurred in the early morning hours, with the culprits targeting electronic devices, money and personal items. Residents are being advised to lock vehicles and remove any valuable property.
Police are requesting that anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it right away. Also anyone with information about the series of break-ins should contact Cpl. Tish Ottey of the Ocean Pines Police at 410-641-7747.