Watertown Police warn residents to be vigilant after four motor vehicles were stolen from town, and several other vehicle break-ins occuring over the last week.
The first two vehicle thefts were reported on Aug. 14, with one taken from Carroll Street and the other from Evans Street, said Watertown Police Det. Lt. Ken Swift. Two more vehicles were reported stolen on Aug. 17 from Laurel Street and Melendy Avenue.
In all four cases, the vehicles had been left unlocked, Swift said.
Watertown Police also received a report of two vehicles having their passenger side broken and the handicap placard taken from Westminster Avenue.
Several more vehicles were broken into. On the evening of Aug. 12 to the 13th, two vehicles were broken into on Hall Avenue, a pair on Belmont Street, three on Standish Road, two on Merrill Road, one on Roberts Road, and two on Lovell Road.
On Aug. 13 into the 14th, vehicles were broken into on Carroll Street, Carey Avenue, and Hersom Street. Another motor vehicle break-in was reported on Dexter Avenue on Aug. 17.
Swift said the car break-ins, besides the handicap placard thefts, all occurred in vehicles that were not locked.
Watertown Police sent out the following tips to help prevent theft:
• Lock your vehicle doors at all times — even at home
• Remove valuables, bags, electronics, and spare keys
• Park in well-lit areas when possible
• Never leave handicap placards or important documents visible
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Call us to report incidents, even if you posted them online — every report helps
Anyone with information can contact the Watertown Police Detective Division at 617-972-6500.