It was a busy weekend for Summit County sheriff’s deputies as they responded to a rash of vehicle burglaries in the Snyderville Basin.
Seven vehicles in the Powderwood and Silver Springs neighborhoods were broken into last weekend. Credit Cards, small amounts of cash and other personal items were stolen. Two of the cases involved an attempt to use a credit card at a Smith’s Grocery store in SLC. Investigators are awaiting video footage from the store manager to identify the suspects.
In another case a credit card, driver’s license and two N95 masks were stolen from an unlocked vehicle. Also, in this case, a credit card was used at a Salt Lake City Smiths.
Another report from Quail Meadows Drive in Silver Springs states a wallet was taken from a vehicle.
Sheriff’s deputies received a report which involved a suspect taking a fishing bag, and about $500 of tools from an unlocked vehicle.
While deputies were investigating other vehicle burglaries in the area, an unnamed victim approached and said both driver and passenger side windows had been broken in their vehicle, although nothing was reported missing.
Summit County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Andrew Wright says the crimes of opportunity often increase when spring arrives. He says it’s easy for criminals to take advantage when valuables are left in vehicles and the doors are left unlocked.
“It’s a little bit easier for these criminals to be out when it's not so cold when the weather is nicer. You know a lot of people are a lot more active during the spring and summer months and leave a lot of different items in their vehicles. So don't leave anything in your car that you wouldn't want someone to get their hands on. And definitely don’t leave anything within plain view. Lock your vehicle at all times, whether it's daytime or nighttime.”
Lieutenant Wright says the criminals will immediately try to use stolen credit cards, often before the victim knows it’s been taken.
“Those criminals using those credit cards and that gives us a little bit of an evidence trail and usually these stores are very cooperative with law enforcement providing any kind of surveillance footage. And I understand that the Smiths store that these credit cards were used, were down in the Salt Lake Valley. In fact, I understand our deputies have requested the video surveillance.”
Wright says people should take vehicle break-ins seriously and to not leave valuables in sight. He says make it harder for the thieves and lock your vehicle. Call the Sheriff’s office if suspicious behavior is observed especially if someone is wandering around the neighborhood late at night.
