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Batavia hit by series of car break-ins over past week

By Howard B. Owens

At least a dozen times in the past week, city residents have gone out to their cars only to find somebody has stolen valuables from their vehicles, according to Batavia Police Department Detective Pat Corona.

Corona said the suspect, or suspects, appears to be operating on foot, confining his criminal activities to the city, and preying primarily on unlocked cars and taking easy-to-pilfer items, such as wallets, credit cards, loose change and portable GPSs.

Only once has a car stereo been stolen from a vehicle.

"There isn't a lot of dismantling of vehicles," Corona said. "They are taking items that are easily accessible."

There may be more than one suspect. This morning an investigator reported over police radio: "Who's ever breaking into these cars probably has a lookout. They left their walkie-talkie behind."

Corona confirmed that the thief has left items behind, but didn't want to discuss specifics.

"If we find any evidence that's been left behind, that could lead us to suspects, we'll certainly take that and gather whatever evidence we can from it," Corona said.

This morning, I've heard three reports of larcenies, the latest just as I was writing this post: A car on Bank Street, just outside of city limits, had a GPS stolen.

Corona's advice: Lock your cars. Don't leave valuables in your cars. And call police with your tips that might help catch these criminals.

"Should people see anything suspicious, don't be shy about calling us," Corona said.

UPDATE: Right after I posted this, the PD put out a press release with a couple of additional details. The larcenies started on June 7. From last night, larcenies were reported on Walnut Street, Swan Street and State Street. The number to call for suspecious activity or to tip the police to a suspect, 345-6350.

Howard B. Owens

Yeah, but the morning you forget to lock your car for some reason, you might wake with with a DOH!

A reminder right about now is a good idea.

Jun 12, 2009, 11:11am Permalink
Gary Spencer

Peter,
It is NOT entrapment, if somebody, anybody, walks by a vehicle and sees something of value sitting there they make a choice to walk away or steal it, it is not entrapment if somebody decides to steal it, if they choose the later, then they deserve to go to jail.

Jun 12, 2009, 1:05pm Permalink
Laura Scarborough

not sure if it's legal, Peter. But I wonder how they use bait cars for car thefts in other states.. it was on the world news a couple months ago, not sure what city or state.

Jun 12, 2009, 1:32pm Permalink
Paul Cook

Baiting is completely legal and effective. If you think that is unfair then perhaps you should double check your moral compass. I hope you don't live near me with that kind of attitude. Thefts are close to my house, hope they do this or patrol heavily until they are caught.

Jun 12, 2009, 3:05pm Permalink
George Richardson

It would be entrapment if a plain clothed cop told a kid that there was a laptop on the front seat of a car four houses down on the right and he would give him 20 dollars to run down there and get it for him. It's also entrapment if a cop sells you drugs and then arrests you for buying them. Baiting a car and waiting for the rats to show up is not entrapment. Do people in Batavia lock their doors?

Jun 12, 2009, 3:13pm Permalink

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