Apr 9, 2021
Nineteen vehicles have been stolen in Kent County over the last week.
Police say stolen vehicles are on the rise along with driving recklessly to avoid arrest and using a stolen car in a crime.
The Grand Rapids Police Department is reminding residents to keep cars locked.
GRPD Sgt. Jim Wojczynski says always take your keys with you and never leave your vehicle running unattended, even for just a few minutes.
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Police urge car owners to lock their doors as vehicle thefts skyrocket in Kent County
19 cars stolen in past week alone
FOX 17
By: Zac Harmon
and last updated 2021-04-09 14:38:16-04
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â Cars are becoming a favorite target of thieves, and now police across Kent County are warning residents to secure their vehicles.
Grand Rapids Police, the Kent County Sheriff s Office, and the Kent County Chiefs of Police Association issued a joint statement Friday, saying car thefts in the county has increased dramatically.
According to investigators, 19 vehicles have been stolen in Kent County in the last 7 days.
âThese are crimes of opportunity,â said GRPD Sergeant Jim Wojczynski, supervisor of the multi-jurisdictional Combined Auto Theft Team. âThese thieves are looking for unlocked vehicles and those left running. It might be just a few minutes, but that is plenty of time for criminals to strike. Making a habit of locking your car and