Crime & Safety

Thieves Target Vehicles at Parks in Birmingham

A theft in Howarth Park is the most recent incident that prompted police to warn about leaving valuables in vehicles.

Police say that thieves are looking at local parks — including Birmingham— as places to steal personal valuables left in vehicles.

A woman reported her purse containing her wallet, cell phone and keys, was taken from her vehicle while parked at Howarth Park at about 5 p.m. July 26, Birmingham Police Department reports said. There are no suspects or witnesses. 

It was just one recent example of similar thefts impacting communities from Royal Oak and Berkley in Oakland County, and other communities in Macomb. Police said they do not yet know if all the incidents are connected. 

Investigators said some thieves were recently caught on camera using credit cards stolen in the incidents. They say they believe three men seen in a newer model silver Ford Explorer were responsible for breaking into 5 vehicles at St. James Park, but no further details about possible connections to thefts in other communities were available, wxyz.com reported.

Authorities urge residents not to leave any valuables in vehicles — particularly in plain sight — while at parks.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the department at 248-530-1870.


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