Oneida, TN (2008-11-17) With the holidays fast approaching, local authorities warn citizens about the potential for theft of personal property in unattended and unlocked automobiles. Three persons became victims of auto burglaries over the weekend in the latest rash of so-called “smash and grab” crimes.
Oneida Police Chief Mike Cross issued a warning to citizens of the community on Monday, urging them to use precaution and sensible measures to secure their personal belongings inside their automobile. “The holidays are a perfect time for criminals to pray upon unsuspecting shoppers,” stated Cross.
Over the weekend, two employees at Sonic Drive In had their purses stolen from their cars while at work. In each instance, the side windows of the vehicles were smashed and the purses, along with other valuables including personal information, checkbooks and cash, were taken. On the same evening, another person had a satellite radio stolen from his vehicle in the parking lot of Carmike Cinema.
When leaving personal belongings in an unattended vehicle, Chief Cross suggested that the owner lock those items in the trunk. If your vehicle doesn’t have a trunk, then items should be place out of sight and all doors locked. Wallets, especially those with cash, credit cards and personal information, should not be left unattended.