Published: December 10, 2008 10:56 pm      

Police probe rash of car break-ins

SOMERSET — State police are investigating about two dozen vehicle break-ins over the past week in central Somerset County.

Guns, knives, compact discs, loose change, binoculars and other valuables are being stolen from unlocked cars overnight in remote areas from Stoystown to Indian Lake to Shanksville, Corp. Bill Link said Wednesday.

That includes a series of auto break-ins at homes along Old Forbes Road near Stoystown early Wednesday morning.

“We’ve had a rash of them over the past week or so,” Link said. “People just can’t leave their cars unlocked.”

Authorities said they have no suspects at this time and are seeking the public’s help in solving the crime.

“We’re looking for any tips, if anybody would have seen something,” Link said.

The thefts mostly are occurring between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. and are concentrated along the Route 30 corridor.

“I would guess that more likely than not, they’re all related,” Link said. “We haven’t pinned it down to a certain area yet.”

While an exact number of break-ins was not available, Link said at least 24 vehicles have been ransacked.

“And those are just the ones we know about,” he said. “A lot of times, if somebody has change taken from their car, they won’t even call us.”

Anyone with information can contact the state police in Somerset at 445-4104.