by: WOODTV.com staff
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids police are reminding residents to protect their property as authorities report a significant increase in vehicle burglaries and car thefts compared to last year.
A spokesperson with The Grand Rapids Police Department said from Jan. 1 to April 21, 2020, there has been a 25.3% increase in vehicle thefts and a 56.1% increase in burglaries from vehicles compared to the same time last year.
GRPD noted this year’s numbers are preliminary, but it appears to be a significant increase.
Sgt. James Wojczynski, supervisor of the Combined Auto Theft Team noted, “The reality is the vast majority of thefts from cars are due to suspects just checking for open doors. Thieves almost always take the path of least resistance. Cars that are damaged usually involve cases where valuables are visible inside.”
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