Waynesboro police: Nearly 50 vehicle break-ins since Thanksgiving

The Waynesboro Police Department is cautioning citizens and city travelers of the ongoing threat of vehicle burglaries during the holidays.

Since Thanksgiving, the Police Department has received nearly 50 calls for service regarding a vehicle being entered and valuables being stolen.  Most of these incidents happen in groups and are usually situated in the same area of the city.  Recent examples have been at the Waynesboro Country Club, the Hopeman Station subdivision, Tree Streets area, among others.

Items stolen from the vehicles include money, purses, iPods, iPads, GPSs, laptop computers, book bags, toolboxes and some packages that may have thought to be Christmas presents by the assailants.

Most of the vehicle were left unlocked, although some vehicles were forced open by smashing a window.

The weeks between the two holidays can be an especially lucrative time for vehicle burglars due to the increased number of vehicles parked in lots, such as shopping centers and churches; large amounts of valuables left in plain view; and the shortened number of daylight hours.  It is recommended to citizens, shoppers, churchgoers, etc., that all valuables be concealed or removed from vehicle so that none are left in plain sight.  Also, all vehicles should be locked even those parked in private driveways.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is asked to call the Waynesboro Police Department at (540) 942-6675 or Central Shenandoah Crime Stoppers at (800)322-2017.  Information given to Crime Stoppers may be given anonymously.  Callers with information that lead to an arrest in this case are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.