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Police: Larcenies on the rise - lock your cars!

Posted at 10:57 AM, Jul 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-25 18:48:11-04

It has been a very busy summer for criminals who are trying to get into open cars and steal items.  Several police departments have issued warnings after multiple larcenies, and larceny attempts, were reported in their area.  The crime wave has affected residents in communities from Lancaster/Cheektowaga to Town of Niagara to Evans.

The most recent incidents occurred in Lancaster where police posted the the following information on its Facebook page along with the attached video of a suspect:

"The Lancaster Police are looking for your assistance in identifying the male in this video. It appears the male has a tattoo on his right forearm. This male is a person of interest in a larceny which occurred in our town. Please contact Detective Cornell at (716) 683-3120 ext.110 with information. **PLEASE SHARE **"

7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly talked with one victim in Lancaster who believes a criminal entered his home and walked passed him while he was sleeping.  Hear more in Ed's reports.

Law enforcement is strongly encouraging people to lock up cars and take out valuables.  It is also a good idea to park vehicles in a driveway with a motion-sensing light.  Don't forget to take out garage door openers.  In one instance in Lancaster, a suspect was able to steal tools from a garage after getting into an unlocked car with a garage door opener.  It is important to know that many new cars have garage door openers built into the vehicle.