Vandalism and Vehicle Break-ins on the Increase in the Berkshires
Thefts and vandalism of vehicles are on the increase in the Berkshires. Reports last week from Adams Police, North Adams, Lanesborough and the Lee Police Department all waring of valuables being stolen from cars and damage to property.
With unemployment at a historic level, another 1-million new unemployment claims last week and the lack of additional unemployment funding from the government is a recipe for an increase in crime across the country.
Take common sense steps to protect your property. Lock your car…lock the doors to your home…increase outdoor lighting on your driveaway and outdoor sheds. You can also inexpensively set up security cameras to set up additional security to detract possible criminals, or to help catch them after you’ve been vandalized. Most cameras will record once motion is detected and can cost as little as $25. Set up is as easy as plugging them into an electrical outlet and pointing the camera out your window.
The Lee Police Department is actively investigating a series of thefts, where valuables were stolen from unlocked vehicles. Similar breaks have occurred in other Berkshire communities as well. As always, we want to keep our citizens informed and as a reminder, we ask everyone to keep their car doors locked and all valuables properly secured. Also, it is very important to report any suspicious activity at the time it is observed. Anyone with information or security video footage of suspicious activity that has not already been reported, should contact the Lee Police Department at (413)243-5530. Be safe out there and thank you
Type: GENERAL INFORMATION
Subject: CRIME WATCH
Date: August 17, 2020
In recent days, the Town of Adams has experienced an increase in stolen vehicles and thefts of items from inside parked cars. These incidents are occurring in the late evening and early morning hours. We are asking residents to be vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity to the Adams Police Department.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these simple tips can help reduce the chance of you becoming a victim:
- Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas, if possible.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Adams Police Department as 413-743-1212.
NAPD conducted a field contact involving a out of state rental vehicle and its occupants.
Items seen in plain view inside the vehicle raised suspicion that occupants could be involved in the recent larcenies from vehicles. Involved parties were identified and pictures of items seen were taken.
Due to circumstances this was the only course of action that could be taken at that time.
Several distinctive looking knives were present.
Also present was a tool that tractor trailer drivers use.
If anyone has had knives stolen or the tool mentioned above please call NAPD at 413-664-4945 x 1 and ask for
Ofc. Christopher Gelinas to give a description of the property that was stolen from you.
Please be advised items were not confiscated and NAPD cannot guarantee items will be recovered in the future but it is our hope to gather evidence for future charges.
Thank you in advance.
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