The Winchester Police Department is investigating a string of thefts from motor vehicles, with the most recent reports coming from victims parked in lots off of Campus Boulevard and along South Washington Street.
Between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. this morning, suspects smashed the windows out of two vehicles parked in a lot in the 400 block of Campus Boulevard, taking valuables from inside. Surveillance footage obtained by officers shows a Dodge Caravan circling the parking lot and pulling up next to the victims’ vehicles before its passengers carried out the crime. Other reports to police today detail thefts from several vehicles parked in various locations in the 600 block of South Washington Street.
In order to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of this crime, the WPD strongly recommends always locking your vehicle, even in private driveways. Do not store cash or valuable items such as GPS systems, cell phones, purses, or wallets in your vehicle. If you must store these or other items, only do so on a very temporary basis and be sure to lock the items in the trunk. Do not leave any cash or valuable items in plain view. It is a good practice to park your vehicle in a well-lit, busy area of a parking lot. If you notice that your vehicle has been broken into, call the Winchester Police Department immediately at 540-662-4131.