BY CAROLINE SELLE — Vehicle thefts from Jan. 1 through April this year are up 191 percent in the city compared to the same time period in 2014. 12 vehicles were reported stolen between Jan. 1 and the end of April 2014; 35 were reported stolen through April in 2015.
“It’s an opportunistic crime,” said Lt. Chris Purvis of the Hyattsville City Police Department.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the crimes are connected but advise taking certain steps to reduce risks. “Make sure you lock your car, lock your doors, don’t leave your keys in it, don’t leave anything valuable in plain view,” Purvis said.
Total calls for service to the police were down by 21.19 percent.
