By Andrew Glover, Morristown Police Dept.
‘Remember when you didn’t have to lock your doors?’
Sadly, this is a common statement uttered to members of our department as we investigate rising thefts. Thefts ranging from businesses, homes, vehicles and theft of vehicles themselves are rising and raising concern across our community, region and state.
Automobile thefts in particular have risen. In a five-year period from 2018 – 2022, members of our department have investigated 21 automobile thefts. Whereas, from August 2023 through August 23, our members have investigated 26.
This is an alarming trend. Very few of these vehicles are in the same condition when located. Several have been totaled and most recently a female driver narrowly escaped certain death when crashed into by one of the community’s stolen vehicles.
The impact and implications to a small community like ours is great. Fear, injury, insurance nightmares, transportation loss, financial loss, vitriolic dialogue and palpable unease are a few of the biproducts noted.
Please join the Morristown Police Department in reminding our neighbors that it’s a good idea to lock doors, take your vehicle keys inside and take down your bird feeders.
We live in different times and have more than nuisance bear problems in our neighborhoods. Keep the conversation going. Please be considerate and safe.