String of vehicular theft continues

Columbia Police have seen a rapid increase in the number of items reported stolen from vehicles in the past week.

According to a Columbia Police Department news release, officers investigated two cases where items were reported stolen from cars parked at the Academy of Fine Arts, located at 3210 South Providence Road. The thefts reportedly occurred at about 7:30 a.m.

“The items were unable to be recovered and no suspect has been found at this time,” CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said.

The string of thefts continued later on Sept. 8. At roughly 5:30 p.m., officers were called to investigate three separate reports of vehicular theft. All three cars were parked in the parking lot of Jazzercise, at 120 East Nifong Blvd.

The next day, Sept. 9, officers were called to Green Meadow Day Care, where a resident spoke of another theft.

The reason for the large and sudden increase in thefts is believed to be the weather.

“This time of year, theft rates always increase because people want to leave their windows down so their car won’t get hot or because they think they can leave for just a moment without locking their cars,” Haden said.

She also said police are advising residents to lock their vehicles, as all of the reported cases involved unlocked cars. Another tip she offered was to secure items of value and keep them out of sight of passersby.

“Criminals are more likely to break into a car if they know for sure there is something of value to take,” Haden said.

CPD is stressing that these are the only things that can be done.

According to a news release, the most popular items stolen were purses because of their contents: wallets, money and identification.

The police have developed multiple leads. One officer recognized the suspect’s vehicle to be a 2010 black Chevrolet Tahoe with dark tinted windows. On Sept. 11, a Columbia resident said he saw a vehicle that fit the description at a business just outside of city limits.

Haden said the citizen was a little concerned upon seeing the Tahoe and his concern elevated when he saw the passenger walk out to the car and switch its current Tennessee license plates for Missouri ones.

At that point, he called the police and told them what he had witnessed. The police believe the string of thefts to be the work of a local identity theft gang known as the Felony Lane Gang.

“We urge anyone who may have information to call Crime Stoppers at 875-TIPS,” Haden said in the news release. “It is our main priority that no one else be victimized.”