Pocono News Section

Dozens Of Car Break-Ins Hit W-B Twp.

Dozens Of Car Break-Ins Hit W-B Twp. - Monday, October 29, 2007 at 11:22PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Oct 29, 2007 @11:22pm EST

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY- A rash of car break-ins has been reported in Wilkes-Barre Township and police believe there's a possible connection between the crimes. Detectives say pricey electronics are being lifted. And in most cases, the crime was one of opportunity, according to detectives. Police say they have nearly 50 open and active cases.

"We have a very condensed commercial area in our town. The cars in the parking lots are being targeted for GPS units and after-market stereos," Lt. Wil Clark said.

Police say the burglar or burglars smash and pry open windows and then help themselves. We're told the smash and grabs happen in township parking lots, normally busy places. We're told there have been few witnesses.

"It's very easy Joe to drive up and down aisles of parking lots and see these expensive electronic devices sitting on the dash board. It's a red flag that waves, hey break in and steal me. I'm worth hundreds of dollars," Lt. Clark said.

The G-P-S is designed to sit atop a car's dashboard. Police warn against leaving it there.

Detective say they're looking at some surveillance photos. They say a late-model black Honda with tinted windows was seen at some of the break-ins. If you have any information, you're asked to call 911.