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Nearly 20 car break-ins across Erie County

Posted at 8:07 AM, May 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-10 12:43:06-04

The Erie County Sheriff's Office is warning residents after a rash of car break-ins over the past few days.

The Sheriff's Office has responded to nearly 20 larceny calls in less than a week. The larcenies have occurred during the overnight hours and in the day time; the thieves are grabbing any items they can from the cabin of the vehicle.

The towns that have had reported car larcenies so far are Boston, Concord, Elma and Grand Island. Thieves are stealing purses, change, mail, credit and debit cards, checkbooks, driver’s licenses, and other personal or valuable items by breaking windows or entering through unlocked doors.

"What we found in recent investigations is it's related to the drug problem that we have. What we do know is that they're grabbing electronics, which can be quickly sold for money," said Chief Scott Joslyn. "When they're taking these purses and wallets they have credit cards and they're taking that information and they are making purchases whether it be over the internet to buy things that they can then pawn and sell to get money to then buy their drugs."

Sheriff Timothy Howard is urging residents not to leave anything in their cars and eliminate the thieves’ opportunities.  Sheriff Howard is also reminding everyone to lock their vehicle as an extra measure of security, even if it is in a garage.

If residents in see suspicious activity they are asked to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency, the Sheriff’s number is 716-858-2903.