CPD warns residents online about vehicles break-ins
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Columbia Police Department on Monday morning posted on Facebook reminding residents to lock their vehicles to prevent car break-ins.
The post included surveillance footage from an alleged car break in that occurred Monday in the 700 block of King Avenue. CPD also included a graphic in a second post regarding the issue on Wednesday.
In the footage posted on Monday, the suspect can be seen checking each car in a driveway to find one that is unlocked.
"Protect your property. Don’t lose your transportation. Make sure you lock your vehicle, close your windows and remove spare keys. Don’t leave valuables and firearms unattended in your vehicle for long periods of time," the Monday post said.
CPD spokesman Christian Tabak said some common items stolen from vehicles include wallets, bags, electronic devices and guns.
"Firearms are especially risky because your valuables are not only stolen, but it also poses a risk to the community where now a suspect has an additional firearm out on the streets," Tabak said. "Thefts in vehicles are constant year-round... We did last year see an uptick, as did much of Missouri see an uptick in vehicle break ins and thefts."
Police do not keep specific statistics on thefts related to vehicles. However, police do keep a report of overall thefts. Columbia police reported 2,376 thefts in 2021, the latest year for which data is available.
