LIVONIA (WWJ) - Two Metro Detroit police departments joined forces to arrest at least one suspect in connection to a rash of car break-ins that resulted in the theft of multiple items from residents over the last week.
The Livonia Police Department took to social media on Saturday morning to announce one person in connection to a series of thefts from unlocked vehicles in their community, and in others around Metro Detroit, was in custody.
"The Livonia Police Department collaborated with the Dearborn Police Department to investigate these crimes," officials stated. "Investigators also received assistance from the Livonia RING Neighborhood Community."
Officers said the suspects in these incidents were driving around in a white Ford Expedition that was recently reported stolen in neighboring Dearborn.
Through their joint effort and with assistance from residents, police from Dearborn and Livonia were not only able to make the arrest, but they also recovered the stolen SUV and some of the stolen property.
The Livonia PD said the suspect they had in custody is also linked to similar crimes in the City of Fraser.
According to the Michigan Farm Bureau, there are actions residents can take to protect their items and their vehicles against car theft. As thieves will often pursue unlocked or running vehicles with valuables in clear sight, the best preventive measure is to make sure you're not an easy target.
The Michigan Farm Bureau suggests the following five ways you can prevent car theft:
Protect Your Vehicle and Your Belongings by:
1) Locking the doors and windows. Thieves look for easy opportunities and the first thing they’ll check are open doors. Always lock your vehicle (even while driving) and roll up the windows no matter how soon you will return to your car. If you’re traveling with pets, you can use a second key or key fob to keep your car running while locked when you are away.
2) Hiding your valuables.
Leaving your belongings in clear view gives thieves certain payoff for breaking into your car. One of the best areas to hide your valuables is locking them in the trunk instead of the glove box or under a seat. If you want to ensure your items won't be stolen from your car, bring them inside with you.
3) Parking in well-lit areas.
Choose your parking spot carefully and park in busy areas where your car is easily seen. Thieves are more likely to be caught and often won’t attempt crimes in these areas. Avoid parking between larger vehicles, against dumpsters or fences, or in remote places.
4) Knowing what you keep in your car.
Remove any unnecessary personal information or items from your vehicle. This can prevent identify theft if confidential information is unintentionally disclosed. If you use a GPS device, store the address of a nearby business as your “Home” address. In some cases, car thieves will burglarize the victim’s home if they find their address.
5) Installing an alarm.
Newer cars usually have alarms installed, but if you drive an older model, you may want to consider installing one. Today you can find a variety of locks and alarms that offer an extra layer of protection for your car. Loud alarm systems can prevent break-ins by scaring off criminals with sound alone.