Statistics on South Brookline Car Break-ins

Of 37 total cases in Sectors 8 & 9 since the beginning of the year, 62% of them (23) were unlocked motor vehicles.  Of these 23, in 70% of the cases (16), valuables that were stolen were in plain view.  Of the 11 locked motor vehicles that were broken into, 73% of them had valuables in plain view.  

In many of these cases, there were expensive valuables in plain view - including pocketbooks/wallets with large amounts of cash, cameras, iPods and laptops.  This combined with the ease of access into the many unlocked cars creates a target-rich environment and suspects will likely keep coming back if their score is so big and they don't have to really even work to get in the car.  

There are several cases where the owner contends that the motor vehicle was locked but there are no signs of entry.  It is possible that a tool was used to gain access, however, in some of the cases, officers have noted that there were no signs that a tool was used (such as damage to window frame, scratches).  

Further, I believe that there are many, many more cases than represented in our analysis.  I think some residents are reluctant to make a report if they've left the door unlocked and/or if the value of items taken is not high and there was no damage that needs to be repaired.  In some cases, they may not even be aware that their unlocked car was entered and items were taken.