The Pennsylvania State Police are alerting residents to an uptick in vehicle break-ins, noting a distressing trend of these incidents specifically targeting women. According to Audacy, thieves have been selectively breaking into cars to steal identification and checkbooks, subsequently disguising themselves as the victims and fraudulently withdrawing money from their bank accounts.
An unsettling pattern has emerged where these crimes primarily occur in places where women might leave a purse or other personal items in their cars, such as gyms, shopping centers, and state parks. In a statement obtained by CBS News Pittsburgh, Trooper Rocco Gagliardi from Troop B emphasized that these criminals are highly skilled, often observing potential targets for extended periods before swiftly breaking in and absconding with the valuables in under 15 seconds.
This trend is not isolated to Pennsylvania, as these thieves have been known to travel across the United States to engage in this specific type of crime. The state police have urged residents to take precautions like keeping their vehicles 'showroom ready,' a term used by Gagliardi in his advice to maintain cars free of valuables in conditions resembling those ready for sale. Additional safety measures include parking in well-lit areas and regularly checking bank accounts for fraudulent activity.
Per the safety tips shared by Country Herald, individuals observing suspicious activity are encouraged to report it through the "See Something, Send Something" app or by contacting the Pennsylvania State Police at [email protected].
