Thefts From Cars Spike in JP

Thefts from motor vehicles are spiking in JP, police said at their with the community.

Thursday night at the District 13 Police Station, officers discussed recent crime activity and provided crime prevention tips for the holiday season.

Community Service Officer Sgt. Eric Krause addressed the recent spike in larceny from motor vehicles. In November, there were 41 of them and 11 auto thefts. Krause stated that the thieves tend to choose older model cars with less sophisticated anti-theft devices as they are easier to disconnect. He also cited some residents reporting their cars were unlocked. Newer model cars with more sophisticated devices tend not to be stolen. But there's a catch — they have expensive tires and rims which are targeted with the thieves leaving the cars on blocks.

There were 12 drug arrests in the district last month, mostly centered in the Hyde Square and Egleston sections of Jamaica Plain. That's down significantly from November 2010, which saw 28 drug arrests. There were 14 drug arrests in November 2009.

Krause explained the holiday season sees a spike in property crimes such as home break-ins and car break-ins. He also stated that crime in the area of T stops increases due to the early nightfall, which makes robbery more enticing.

Krause offered these tips to help prevent being a victim of crime.

1. Always lock your doors and windows of your home and car. Do not leave valuables in plain sight. In recent home break-ins, only items such as laptops and other easily-portable items have been stolen.

2. Check the screens on your home windows. Potential burglars use a technique that involves making 2 small slices at the bottom of the screen. Then they try to push it up with their fingers. If they cannot, they quickly move on to the next house.

3. Walk in groups or well-lit areas. Always call police if you see something that is suspicious.

There are more tips, and a discussion of recent break-ins on Jamaica Street, at the Neighbors For Neighbors Web site.