Albany Police Department investigates auto break-ins
Trio of break-ins occur in close proximity
By Jon Gosa
ALBANY — The Albany Police Department is investigating a string of auto break-ins in central Albany that occurred overnight Monday and early Tuesday morning. The break-ins occurred along the 700 and 900 blocks of Eighth Avenue and the 1400 block of Brosnan Court.
“The incidents were reported to APD during the early morning hours, but most likely occurred the night before,” said Sgt. Gregory Batson. “These are crimes of opportunity where thieves are making their way through neighborhoods, pulling on car doors until they find one unlocked.”
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains open.
According to Albany Police Department spokeswoman Phyllis Banks, automobile burgalaries are a citywide problem but have been on the rise in west and central Albany. To help prevent this type of crime, APD recommends removing items of value, such as cellphones, wallets, purses, jewelry and especially firearms from automobiles.
“The last thing we want is for someone to steal a gun from your car and then go commit another crime with your firearm,” said Det. Chris Hutcherson. “We understand people want to keep a gun in their car for protection, but when you park your car and go inside at night, take your gun inside with you.”
APD asks the community keep an eye out for suspicious persons or activity.
“Neighborhood watches are a great idea,” said Sgt. Phyllis Walters of the Crime Prevention Unit.
Walters also said that APD has launched Operation Clean Sweep, a preventative information-sharing program and an investigative information-gathering operation during which officers actually make physical contact with residents of neighborhoods affected by spikes in criminal activity.
Anyone wishing to report a crime can do so anonymously by calling the Albany Police Department non-emergency number at (229) 431-2100 or Crime Stoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477).
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