During the last few months in Windham, vehicle burglaries have become more common in areas throughout town, police say. Nighttime burglars are either stealing cars altogether or breaking in through locked or unlocked vehicles and stealing valuables.
Windham police report the recent upsurge is part of recently escalating trend which, Lt. David Degruchy says, comes in “fits and starts.”
“We’re seeing waves of these occurrences. About a year ago, we were seeing it in the Route 302, Albion Road neighborhood. Right now, it seems we are in the midst of another one,” he said.
Last week, there were eight burglaries involving motor vehicles. Most occured during overnight hours. Six of the eight burglaries were reported Monday, Oct. 24. Robbers are making away with wallets, jewelry, music CDs, and other valuables.
DeGruchy said all areas of town have been impacted with this recent wave of break-ins. Oct. 24’s spree occurred mostly in North Windham area including Roosevelt Trail and Pine Drive, and businesses including the Dollar Store, Charlie Beiggs, Sebago Lake Chevy and Pizza Hut.
“In the past few months, we’re starting to see it all over town. Someone is definitely mobile,” DeGruchy said.
DeGruchy said patrol officers will “try (their) best to be more aware.” But, he added, the random nature of the crime makes the vehicle-related burglaries almost impossible to prevent.
“We can’t be every place all the time,” he said.
DeGruchy recommended residents lock their vehicles. He said it is the “most prudent” deterrent, but not a guarantee against burglary.
“Locking your car doesn’t always stop them,” DeGruchy said. “The best thing is just to not leave anything in the car that is valuable.”
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