Lower Burrell police seek person of interest in thefts from motor vehicles

Lower Burrell police are reminding residents to lock up their vehicles after another rash of break-ins.

Detective Sgt. Jason Napier said police received reports that at least five vehicles were broken into on March 14 and March 15.

All of the vehicles were left unlocked. The thefts occurred on Chestnut Street, Iowa Drive, Jefferson Drive and Edward Street.

“The message is lock the doors,” Napier said.

Napier believes three people were involved in the thefts. A video showing at least one of the suspects has been posted to the department’s Facebook page.

They made off with a wallet, gift cards, a garage remote, change, a CD case with some CDs and a power inverter.

“They’re not getting a whole lot,” Napier said. “I believe there’s probably been more, but people aren’t reporting them because they didn’t have anything taken.”

Last month, police warned residents to lock their vehicles after several unlocked vehicles were broken into along Donnell Road, Davies Street, Fairway Street and Mintwood Drive.

Asked why people may not be heeding the warnings, Napier said they may have become complacent and don’t think people will go into their vehicles.

“I think people just don’t want to accept the fact that it’s everywhere now. I tell people, ‘If I run into a gas station and can’t see my car for 30 seconds, I lock my doors because you just don’t know anymore,” Napier said.

Police are asking people who recognize the suspect to call police at 911 or Napier directly at 724-339-4287 Ext. 263.