Rising number of car break-ins prompts Columbia police to increase patrols
COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)
The Columbia Police Department is increasing patrols in an attempt to stop an uptick in break-ins within the past year.
“In the areas we are aware of these (thefts are) being reported, we are increasing, where possible, foot traffic and vehicle patrols just to go through and add that increased presence,” CPD spokesman Christian Tabak said.
In 2020, CPD recorded 503 vehicle break-ins. That number increased to 754 in 2021 and shot up to 916 in 2022. In the first six months of 2023, Columbia has already tallied 369 vehicle break-ins which is on pace to beat the 2022 total.
“Last year is when it really became apparent that this was escalating and again this isn’t just something we have seen in Columbia. It’s being seen across Missouri,” CPD spokesman Christian Tabak said.
CPD posted on its social media on Thursday to ask the public for help in identifying a woman who is allegedly connected to multiple car break-ins on the 2900 Block of Forum Boulevard on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, residents of the Kelly's Ridge Apartments received an email from CPD Officer Nate Scott warning of an increased number of reported car break-ins from multiple apartment complexes over Labor Day weekend. According to Scott, there has been an increase in car break-ins over the last year because of bags/boxes being left out in plain sight.
“It doesn't matter where in Columbia. We’re seeing these increasing throughout the city and the community,” Tabak said. “Suspects will just go along and you’ll see them try car doors whether it’s parking garages, parking lots, neighborhoods, they will just go along try a door handle if it doesn’t open move onto the next one.”
CPD is advising people to lock their cars, avoid leaving valuables inside their vehicles, and hide visible indicators that property may be present to avoid being targeted. Leaving keys and guns in the car has led to some of the biggest issues.
“Firearms is especially a concern,” Tabak said. “It’s something that people report a lot of, in fact out of the firearms we have had stolen in Columbia over the last several years about half of them have been stolen from vehicles.”
CPD previously said that stolen guns are frequently involved in violent crimes.
CPD encourages people to call 311 to report a stolen item. However, once the items are stolen it is very difficult for police to recover them, especially if there was no video footage of the break-in.
