The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a rash of thefts from unlocked motor vehicles and is urging residents to remember to lock the doors of the vehicles parked in front of their homes.
In the early morning hours of June 25, suspects have entered more than 20 unlocked vehicles parked in front of residences in Robie Manor, Eutaw Forest and Laurel Branch, which are located along Bensville Road in western Waldorf and White Plains. The suspects have stolen owner’s manuals, registration cards, music CDs, loose change, medication a palm pilot and other miscellaneous items and have ransacked the interiors of the vehicles. Some of the stolen items have since been recovered after being found in ditches in the area. The thefts occurred between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. during periods of heavy rain. There is no description of the suspects but they are believed to be juveniles.
The thefts occurred on Captain Dement Drive, Portobello Court, Apple Creek Lane, Lee Lane and Abell Way. So far, the suspects have not stolen items of high value, such as laptops and cell phones, but the Sheriff’s Office urges residents to remain cautious.
“Officers are working to identify the suspects and we have increased patrols of those areas,” said Lt. Rob Cleaveland, commander of the Indian Head District Station. “However, the best way to prevent this type of theft is to lock the doors to all your vehicles.”
Although the suspects in these thefts have not stolen highly valued items, the Sheriff’s Office still cautions citizens they should not leave these items unattended in their vehicles, whether they are locked or unlocked.
Anyone who has information about these thefts should contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at 301-743-2222. Officer J. Kelly is investigating. Charles County crime solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about this investigation may contact Crime Solvers anonymously at 1-866-411-TIPS.