Barrington residents continued to be targets in a recent rash of car break-ins last week.
On Friday, Dec. 11, residents on Orchard Avenue, Lillis Avenue, Boyce Avenue, Whipple Avenue, Primrose Hill Road, Briarwood Drive and Wedgewood Lane told police someone had rummaged through their vehicles and stolen items.
Sunglasses, loose change, iPods, wallets and other goods were reportedly stolen from the vehicles — all residents told officers that the cars had been left unlocked.
Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said residents should remove all valuable items from their vehicles. He said the timing of the recent
car break-ins comes at a time when some folks may have Christmas presents inside their vehicles.
"We've had over two dozen" break-ins, said Chief LaCross, adding that none of the incidents involved forced entry into the cars. "We're just asking that people be mindful. Don't leave anything valuable in the car. Just take it out and bring it into the house."
Barrington is no stranger to car break-ins. For years, residents have been targeted by thieves who are looking for a quick score. Police said the culprits often check vehicle door handles during the overnight hours — those cars left unlocked become the easiest to pilfer.
Chief LaCross said the department may have a lead in the recent case — a home's surveillance camera recorded footage of three individuals looking into a car parked in front of the residence. He added that the footage does not clearly depict the individuals' faces.
"We're asking people, if you hear something call us," he said. "Don't hesitate. Just call us and we'll come by and check it out."
Late last month and earlier this month, police began to notice a surge in larcenies from motor vehicles. On Friday, Dec. 4, residents on Starbrook Drive, Nathaniel Road, New Meadow Road and Meadowbrook Drive reported larcenies from their cars. Money and other small items were reported stolen.
Chief LaCross said the thief or thieves will target cars in any neighborhood — last week residents in the Sowams area and folks in the north end of town were victimized. Chief LaCross said his department ran an analysis of some recent break-ins and found that they occurred in every corner of Barrington.
"Barrington is good fishing grounds," he said. "We have a safe community, which I'm proud of. But we're asking people to be mindful, and lock up their cars."