Epidemic of Car Thefts Plagues West Shore

An epidemic of thefts from autos has plagued the West Side. Westlake Police report 10 thefts from autos in the last week, and Bay Village Police report nine.

Both departments remind residents to keep their cars locked.

Westlake

String of overnight crimes:

–Between 8/29/20 and 9/3/20 WPD took over 10 reports of theft from autos in the city.  These thefts occurred during the overnight hours and happened on Westhill, Belmont, East Melrose, Framingham and Berringer Run. It appears that all the vehicles were left unlocked in the driveways.  2 open garages were entered where the suspect(s) then went through the vehicles inside.  Items missing included a purse and misc change.  

–Connected to the thefts from autos were 3 vehicles that were actually stolen out of driveways.  During the overnight hours of 8/30/20 a Mercedes was taken from a driveway on Framingham, a GMC Yukon was taken from a driveway on Meadow Ln and a Ford truck was stolen from the driveway of a residence on Clague Rd.  The Ford was recovered in the area of W.70th and Camden in Cleveland while the Mercedes was found in a lot on Garden Valley Ave in Cleveland.  Investigators are following up on evidence and videos collected.  In addition, on 8/30/20 at approx. 2:30AM, while following up on a report of a suspicious male walking around the neighborhood, officers located a Kia Forte parked on East Melrose.  The car was reported stolen out of Cleveland. Officers processed this vehicle as well before turning it over to the owner.  It appears that all the vehicles involved had been taken with their doors unlocked and keys inside.

-WPD reminds residents to please lock their vehicles and secure the keys no matter where the vehicle is parked.  Do not leave any valuables inside and be sure to call the police department if suspicious persons or vehicles are seen in your neighborhood.  Please call at the time the people and vehicles are there so officers can check immediately. 

Bay Village

On September 6, the Bay Village Police took nine separate reports of Theft from Auto. These incidents occurred on the east side of the city. All vehicles entered were left unlocked. Numerous items were taken including Apple Air pods and cash. Bay Village Detectives are investigating.

On September 6, at 2:27pm, Bay Village Police were dispatched to the 500 block of Kenilworth Road on report of a stolen vehicle. Police arrived and spoke with the victim/homeowner. The owner reported that his 2020 Subaru Forester was stolen from the driveway in the overnight hours. This vehicle was left unlocked with the keys inside. The homeowner reported that the vehicle was equipped with a “Starlink” system which acts as a GPS locator and has the ability to shut the vehicle down remotely. Starlink was contacted and able to successfully disable the vehicle. It was located in the 2000 block of West 52nd Street in Cleveland. Bay Village Police were able to recover the vehicle and have it brought back to the city for evidence processing. Detectives are investigating.

On September 6, at Bay Village Police were dispatched to the 500 block of Parkside Road on report of a stolen vehicle. Police arrived and spoke with the victim/homeowner. The owner reported that her 2019 Honda Accord was stolen from the driveway in the overnight hours. The vehicle was left unlocked with the key fob inside. Bay Village Detectives are investigating.