Police: ‘Lock Your Cars’

FARMINGTON — With a recent rash of vehicle break- ins, Farmington police are once again reminding local residents to lock their cars at night.

The crime is called “car hopping,” and it is where suspects, usually kids or teenagers, walk around neighborhoods, checking door handles to find unlocked cars. If a car is locked, then the suspects will move onto the next house. If the car is unlocked, the suspects will grab what they can.

The police department received calls from nine people on Aug. 13 with reports that their vehicles had been broken into. In each case, the vehicle was parked in the drive- way. The cars were located on several streets in Farmington in Southwinds subdivision, including Greenfield, Trotters Crossing and Whitney streets, and out at Valley View Golf Course.

Sgt. Mike Wilbanks said of the nine, four reported items missing from their vehicles. The others did not find anything missing but said their vehicles had been rummaged through. Some of the victims said their cars were locked and others admitted they had not locked their cars. Wilbanks said none of the vehicles showed signs of forced entry.

Some of the missing items were an iPad, wallets and credit cards.

Wilbanks said one arrest has been made. The investigation is continuing and Wilbanks said he expects the police department will make other arrests. A 14-year-old juvenile boy has been charged with burglary and theft of property, both felonies.

Detective William Redfern said “car hopping” goes on every year when kids are out of school. He urged citizens to lock their cars and not to leave items outside at night.

“I wish we could get people to understand,” Redfern said. “Lock your cars and call us if you see anything.”

For more police information, go to the Farmington Police Department’s Facebook page.