From the Franklin Police Department

Police Investigating String of Auto Burglaries

How you can prevent becoming a victim

Posted Date: 3/1/2012 12:00 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sergeant Charles J. Warner
Franklin PD Public Affairs
615.550.6821
cwarner@franklintn.gov
Franklin, TN – Franklin Police are investigating a series of smash and grab vehicle burglaries in Franklin’s Cool Springs area. Eight vehicles have been burglarized during the late afternoon and early evening hours over the past two weekends. Each vehicle was burglarized while its owner dined or shopped at an area restaurant or business. With this weekend quickly approaching, police have increased area patrols and offer these tips to reduce your chances of becoming the next victim:

• Keep valuables out of plain view. Thieves can’t steal what they can’t see and will likely move on to a car that has valuables visible inside.
• Take things like purses, GPS Units, and laptop computers with you.
• If you cannot take your valuables with you, stow them out of site prior to reaching your destination. It is not uncommon for crooks to case parking lots and actually watch drivers arrive and stow their valuables under a seat or in the trunk, only to break in moments after you walk away, knowing exactly where you have hidden your belongings.

Brentwood Police are investigating similar burglaries on the Brentwood side of the Cool Springs area. Detectives from both Departments are sharing information about the cases and Cool Springs area patrons to stay alert and report suspicious people or vehicles to police.

Anyone with information about these cases is eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 with a simple call to Crime Stoppers, (615) 794-4000.