Police Still Combating Vehicle Break-Ins In Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow police say a campaign to combat vehicle burglaries is working, but more still needs to be done.

At the beginning of this campaign in the summer, close to 80 percent of burglarized vehicles were left unlocked.  Police now say that number has dropped to about 58 percent.

Vehicle burglaries can happen in just seconds.

Surveillance video from May shows people suspected of breaking into vehicles in Lakewood Village in Broken Arrow.

5/31/2018 Related Story:  Vehicle Break-Ins Plague Broken Arrow Neighborhood

“It’s a quick opportunity for them,” said homeowner Mike Goodman.  “It takes them literally 10 seconds to open the door, look at what they want, grab what they want, and they’re gone.”

In another video, you can see a person who appears to check vehicle locks.

“Seeing the video makes me go, ‘Wow, what is happening in our neighborhood,’” said neighbor Fran Lasiter.

Back in July, Broken Arrow police also looked into six stolen vehicle reports and another six vehicle burglary reports, all happening within 24 hours.

“At least two of the vehicles that were taken, not only were unlocked, but had the keys in the vehicle,” said Officer Mike Peale.

Police say there is good news.  With their Remove It, Lock It, and Report It campaign, more and more people are now locking up.  The bad news, people are still leaving valuable items in plain sight.

7/24/2018 Related Story:  Police Investigating Rash Of Stolen Vehicles, Vehicle Break-Ins In Broken Arrow

From September 8th to 11th, police say they had 10 reported vehicle break-ins.

“Eighty percent of those, the windows were shattered, so the vehicle doors are locked, but valuables are being left inside,” said Officer James Koch.

Police say they are still seeing criminals checking door handles, but now they say they’re also looking inside and smashing windows.

“If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t,” said Koch.  “You call us at any time of the day and we’re coming.”

Police also say advances in technology, like surveillance cameras, help them catch criminals.