By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Michigan State Police, Niles post, and Niles City Police Department are reporting that between Friday and Tuesday, the greater Niles area, including Howard and Niles townships, experienced more than 30 car break-ins.
"Several cars (around 16) on the west side of town have been hit and on Monday night, around 16 more cars were broken into in Misty Acres," Capt. James Merriman of the Niles City Police Department said Tuesday.
Merriman said the thieves are entering unlocked cars parked in driveways and may even be attempting to enter unlocked garages.
"People have got to lock their vehicles. Even if they live in fairly safe neighborhoods. All of us leave items in our vehicles from time to time, but it's important to take personal belongings inside," Merriman said.
The suspects appear to be targeting the larger neighborhood subdivisions. Items stolen have included iPods, laptop computers, cellular phones, tools and portable GPS navigation units.
"It's happening at all hours of the night. If you hear anything strange, notice unfamiliar cars or if your dogs start to bark in the middle of the night, call us right away," Merriman said.
He added that a similar situation happened around the same time one year ago and that people should be prepared for things like this to happen, especially this time of year.
As far as a description of the vehicle or suspects, Merriman said nothing is concrete yet. He said the suspects could be changing vehicles or hiding their vehicle while the break-in attempts are taking place.
"The weather is getting nicer and that's usually when we start to see more break-ins. People just have to be safe and be sure their homes and vehicles remained locked at all times. Even if your car is sitting in your own driveway, lock it. You just never know," Merriman added.
Anyone with information about these crimes should contact authorities immediately.
Residents are urged to call the police if they encounter any suspicious vehicles or pedestrians during these early morning hours.