Car Stolen in Shepherd Park Neighborhood

This just in from the Shepherd Park listserv: A District resident had her car stolen while it was warming up, driverless. Idling cars are not just bad for the environment, but they make your car an easy target for thieves. Here is the firsthand account of this particular car theft:

This morning (Saturday), our car was stolen in front of our house as my husband and children were approaching to get into it. Patrick had just finished cleaning off the sidewalk and car and left the car on warming up. He just walked up to our stoop to put the shovel there and the kids were walking down the steps when a Ford Explorer pulled up, the passenger hopped out of it and jumped into our car and sped away. 

The police told us that there had just been two house robberies in the area and it was likely the thieves were looking for an alternative getaway car. He also told us that thieves have been casing neighborhoods in the mornings looking for these types of opportunities. With the cold weather, I know many of us do exactly what we did this morning -- let the car warm up for awhile before getting into it. And, many of us actually go back into the house while the car is warming up. What is extra scary about our situation is that the thieves were bold enough to do it with my family actually outside heading towards the car! 

So be extra cautious.  It's better to suffer the cold for a little while rather than be a victim of a crime.

Airbag Thefts in Chevy Chase, DC

A member of the Chevy Chase Listserv reported two airbag thefts, one from her own car and one from a neighbor down the street.  Here's her account of what happened:

Unfortunately last week (December 23rd during the day), my air bag was stolen while
my car was parked in my driveway. The police were called and a report was filed.  I do know this was not an isolated incident as I've seen one other car down the street with a stolen air bag as well. For those who may question:  Yes, the car was locked. They broke a window. And, from what I  have heard and read, it only takes a few minutes to steal one.

Please make sure you call the police if you see anyone walking the streets or in a car that looks suspicious.

Attempted Car Break-In Thwarted in Takoma Park DC Today

This just in: A car break-in was prevented in Takoma Park DC. Here are the details as reported on the TakomaDC listserv. And heads up: The bad guys are still out there.

Just chased a bunch of kids trying to break into our car to steal a bike. 6 kids, two cars, parked on 2nd street, one red 4 door jeep Cherokee another tan minivan wearing schoolish clothes...This was on the 6600 block of 2nd between Van Buren and Whittier.

Robbery and Stolen BMW in SE DC

by Lindsay Chastain

At approximately 9pm last Sunday night, neighbors of the 3400 block of Camden Street, Southeast, DC were robbed. The suspects took off with the car keys for and stole their silver BMW X5 (license plate DK6476). The car has not been recovered yet. If you have any information regarding this robbery or the vehicle please call 911. It is unclear if this is related to the chain of previous carjacking and thefts in southeast DC.

Lindsay Chastain reports on crime for All Life Is Local.

Carjackings and Car Thefts Continue in Southeast DC

by Lindsay Chastain

The most recent in a series of carjackings in Southeast DC occurred on Tuesday, October 5 at 10:47pm in the 2600 block of 33rd Street.  In this latest case, the stolen car was retrieved. Police say that it's the same group of carjackers committing these crimes, and their usual M.O. is to target females who are alone at night.

The suspects are two black men in their early to mid 20’s, about 5’11, both wearing ski masks and dark clothes. These men are armed and dangerous, so be alert and cautious when getting or out of your car.

What can you do? The Metropolitan Police Department advises you to secure your vehicle, locking all doors and closing all windows once in the vehicle, park in a well-lit area, and stay alert. If you have any information, call 202-727-1000, and if you need immediate assistance, dial 911.

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Lindsay Chastain is All Life Is Local's crime reporter.