From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Detectives with the Trussville Police Department are busy investigating several theft cases involving unlocked vehicles across the city.
According to police records, eight people reported their cars being tampered with, in the middle of the night. In several of the cases, unsecured firearms were taken from the cars, including a Taurus Judge, a Glock 9mm and a rifle.
Police reports on the incidents were filed between Aug. 21 and Aug. 24, although some of the vehicle owners said the thefts could have happened as early as Aug. 15.
The first incident happened between Aug. 15 and Aug. 18, on Dawn’s Way. Someone broke into a Toyota Sienna minivan parked in a driveway. The owner reported her purse and checkbook were taken.
Between Aug 17 and Aug. 21, a Toyota Tundra on Plymouth Rock Road was rummaged through, although nothing was taken.
A vehicle owner reported a Glock 9mm, vehicle registration information, and insurance papers were stolen from a Dodge Ram. The incident happened overnight between Aug. 20 and Aug. 21, on Deercrest Lane.
On the same night, items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Jonathan’s Way. The owner of a Ford F250 said someone broke into a locked glove box and stole a checkbook.
The next night, cash was stolen from a GMC Sierra 1500 on Kensington Avenue.
Items from two unlocked vehicles were taken sometime between Aug. 22 and Aug. 23. According to a police report, the Chevrolet Silverado and Honda Odessey were parked in the driveway overnight. A Taurus Judge 410/45, a Ruger LCP .380 and a Bluetooth speaker were stolen.
On Oak Street, three vehicles were taken from in the early morning hours of Aug. 23. The vehicle owners said their Infiniti QX80, Toyota Sequoia and Ford F150 were all rummaged through. Among items reported stolen were cash, credit and debit cards, sunglasses, a driver’s license and an insurance card.
On Aug. 24, a man reported his rifle, a ring and a watch were stolen from his Dodge Challenger, which was parked at Hampton Inn on Edwards Lake Road.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), stolen firearms pose a serious threat to public safety. Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush said that’s why he is reminding all gun owners to remove valuables from vehicles.
“You should always lock your vehicle but also remember to remove anything of value from the vehicle before going inside,” Rush said. “A lot of times, the person who stole that gun will either use it in another crime or sell it to a criminal. It is a dangerous cycle.”
Although there was no forced entry to any of the vehicles, the crimes are still considered breaking and entering.
Detectives working the cases are in the process of reviewing surveillance video and tracing the use of debit cards and checks that were stolen.
No arrests have been announced.
If you have information on any of the thefts, you are asked to call the Trussville Police Department.
The ATF recommends keeping a record of your firearms in case of a theft or loss. You can download a personal firearms record from the ATF by clicking here.