Rash Of Unlocked Vehicle Break-Ins, Theft In Milton

MILTON, MA — Milton police are urging residents to keep their cars locked at night after a rash of break-ins and the theft of an unlocked car — where the keys were left in the vehicle — in the last week.

Police said the break-ins and theft happened overnight on Aug. 10 into the early morning hours of Aug. 11. Five vehicles were broken into, with a sixth stolen and later abandoned in Stoneham.

The break-ins happened on Hurlcroft Road, Cabot Street and the 500 block of Centre Street. Police said all five cars were unlocked, with the ignition keys left in the car that was stolen.

Massachusetts State Police sad the stolen car was found on Route 93 abandoned and out of gas.

"No reports of theft or damage was received from anybody who had locked their cars in these neighborhoods," Milton police said. "Clearly, the pattern, in not only this crime spree but overall, is that criminals will bypass hard targets and move onto a soft target."

Police urged residents to participate in the #9M Routine — lock car doors, remove valuables from the car, close and lock garage doors, close and lock home doors and keep exterior lights on at night.