Readers of The Clarkston News’ Public Safety page know how commonly radios, laptops, jewelry, and other items are stolen from cars and SUVs in local neighborhoods.
Deputies caught the culprit in at least some of these cases, about 3 a.m., Dec. 14. Responding to reports of a suspect wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, trying to enter vehicles, they found a 16-year-old Clarkston High School student on Sunnydale Road off M-15 south of Clarkston, fiddling with the door to a car.
The Springfield Township resident admitted to stealing from cars, but only unlocked ones. Asked to empty his pockets, he placed a digital camera, iPod, money, gum, roll of dimes, credit cards, and other items on the police car hood.
He told deputies he stole because he was depressed, and stealing gives him a rush. He was released to his mother, pending juvenile charges.
More than half the thefts reported to Independence Township Substation deputies are from unlocked vehicles, said deputy Sgt. Matt Baldes.
Given economic times, local car thefts are probably the responsibility of several people, Baldes said.
‘He’s just one of many,? he said. ‘We’ve been unable to tie his to any other particular theft.?
Smash-and-grab thefts are becoming more common, but it still makes sense to keep property locked up, he said.
“We continue to advocate people protect themselves,” Baldes said. “Lock your cars. Don’t leave valuables in them.”