Rash of Thefts from Auto Hit West End

are reporting that at least 13 thefts from vehicle occurred in the borough overnight between July 24 and 25. The thefts were concentrated on the West End of town in the areas of Garfield Avenue, , , and Caines Creek.

According to Corporal Patrick Mark, it’s unclear if the crimes were perpetrated by one thief, several working in tandem, or independent groups. The borough, he said, has not yet assigned the case for investigation.

Mark said rashes of such theft are not uncommon in Phoenixville in summer months, but this was a particularly large one.

“It happens every summer,” he said, adding that the department will increase night patrols in the area of the crime.

Mark said that “anything and everything” was taken from the vehicles; including GPS units, iPods, electronics, and cash. He added that it appears the thief or thieves didn’t attempt to strip the cars of stereo equipment or any items that would have required disassembly: they were in and out.

The vehicles also seem to have been unlocked at the time of the thefts. Marks said that, to his knowledge, there was no evidence of damage to any of the vehicles or reason to believe the thief or thieves were “popping locks” to get into the cars.

For borough residents, he said, the takeaway should be clear: lock up.