Car break-ins not on the rise, police say

Despite several recent reports and arrests for thefts from vehicles, Lieutenant Brian Gilham of the Vestavia Hills Police said the city’s car break-ins are actually lower than normal.

From Nov. 1 to Jan. 22, Gilham said there were 22 reported vehicle break-ins, a slight decrease from the same time period last year. There was no pattern of areas being hit, but Gilham said most of the thefts occurred during the day. Several took place in gym parking lots because of people leaving their purses or wallets in vehicles while exercising.

“Thieves are keenly aware of the practice and that these are potential target-rich environments,” Gilham said.

During the same time period, Mountain Brook experienced 20 car break-ins, Homewood experienced 36 and Hoover experienced 115, including one in which a resident exchanged fire with the burglar. Hoover and Mountain Brook police have also said their city’s reported break-ins are not higher than normal, though Homewood is experiencing a surge.

While there has been speculation that these break-ins are the work of a local gang called Goons Taking Over (GTO), Gilham said the Vestavia Hills Police have no evidence linking the group to any of the crimes.

The Vestavia police have made one arrest in conjunction with the break-ins. Gilham said residents should be more careful with their valuable items and noted that most of the crimes could have been prevented if vehicle owners locked their doors and removed or concealed any valuables.

To report suspicious activity, call the Vestavia Hills Police at 823-1153.