Police issue alert after Wednesday night ‘smash and grab’ burglary spree

Posted on December 19, 2018
Police car
Bloomington and Normal Police are investigating a rash of smash and grab vehicle burglaries that happened Wednesday night outside fitness and day care centers. (File photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL – Local police are urging motorists to take their valuables with them when they leave their cars. That’s because for the second straight year, there’s been a rash of “smash and grab” vehicle burglaries outside Twin-City fitness and day care centers.

Between 7:30 and 9 p.m. Wednesday, officers said they received reports of 10 such break-ins, mainly on the east side. Seven of them happened in Bloomington, the other three were in Normal.

They’re called “smash and grab” because thieves smash out car windows and grab wallets, purses, electronics, and other items left in plain view.

Police recall a similar “smash and grab” spree, also outside fitness and day care centers, last holiday season.

Police advise car owners to park in lighted areas near the place of business, and to lock their vehicles.

Anyone spotting suspicious activity in parking lots or around cars are asked to call police.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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