MPD offers tips on preventing common neighborhood crimes: stolen cars and packages, and thefts from vehicles

PSA 203 Lt. Bobbette Forrest and MPD officers Yudis Zuniga and Homere Whyte at Forest Hills Park

Residents and visitors can take steps to protect themselves from common crimes in our area, such as stolen vehicles, thefts from vehicles and stolen packages, said MPD Lt. Bobbette Forrest during a recent neighborhood meeting.

Earlier this month, Forrest and other DC police officers met with neighbors at Forest Hills Park. Forrest heads the Second District’s police service area encompassing Forest Hills, Van Ness, Wakefield and Cleveland Park north of Macomb Street.

Forrest said the Lexus 500 series is a recent target of car thieves, and advised neighbors to speak with their dealerships about anti-theft devices specifically made for those makes and models.

Wheel locks could act as a deterrent but are not foolproof, she said, and any tracking device should be well hidden.

Another common target for thieves is bags, purchases and packages left inside parked vehicles.

Forrest said vehicles belonging to housekeepers in particular are being targeted, as thieves believe they will find cash inside bags left in the car.

She recommended that residents remind tradespeople and other visitors not to leave these items in their vehicles, or to put them in the trunk before arriving.

It’s common advice, but many do not heed it. When MPD conducted a recent neighborhood walkthrough, Forrest said, officers found that 42 out of 143 cars had visible packages, backpacks and purses inside.

It’s even easier for thieves to grab packages left on porches and doorsteps by delivery drivers. Forrest advised asking your neighbors to look out for and collect your packages.

When placing Amazon orders, you can also use the Amazon lockers at MPD’s Second District headquarters (3200 Idaho Avenue NW) as the drop-off location.

Local UPS stores are another option for package drop-offs.

Forrest also warned that for people with extended travel plans, it is better to have someone to collect your mail than submit a formal mail stop.

Recently, a U.S. Postal Service worker was giving such information to package thieves.