Moon Police Report Rising Number of Car Thefts

Moon Police said thousands of dollars worth of items including prescription medications and electronics were stolen from a dozen unlocked vehicles late last week.

Police responded to 12 incidents of theft from vehicles between May 19 and May 21 in the township. More than 20 additional reports of theft from vehicles have been reported so far this month in Moon.

"We're not sure at this point [if the thefts are related]," said Moon Police Capt. Greg Seamon. "We've arrested several groups over the years [who have committed theft from vehicles], and when we arrest one another comes up."

Items taken from the vehicles included GPS systems, coins and electronics such as iPods and cell phone chargers. At least two prescription medications, including OxyContin, were also taken in the thefts, according to police reports.

Seamon said thieves simply opened unlocked car doors and took items that were readily available. No damage or forced entry was reported to any of the vehicles involved.

He said detectives in the department will collect items that thieves left behind in the vehicles and examine them for fingerprints. He also asked residents to report suspicious activity.

"If we have reasonable suspicion to stop someone we will," Seamon said. "This has become sort of an easy way for people to commit crime. All they do is go into a neighborhood and find one vehicle that's unlocked and keep going."