City Police: Beware Car Thefts, Lock Vehicle Doors

Ogdensburg police are warning residents to be more careful about locking their motor vehicles after a recent rash of car thefts.

City police have investigated three stolen vehicles in the past three days, according to Det. Sgt. Harry J. McCarthy, who says at least eight vehicles have been stolen in the last five months.

"In most cases," Det. McCarthy says, "The cars are stolen from driveways and parking lots with the keys in the ignition. They are usually recovered abandoned somewhere in the county.

"Often times, they end up damaged. Suspects usually use the vehicle to get from point A to point B and are not hot wiring the cars, but instead, simply looking for vehicles with the keys inside," he said.

The most recent case occurred Sunday morning. A car stolen from another jurisdiction was recovered inside the city. A 1995 Dodge Neon was found in the 400 block of Grant Street.

The vehicle had been reported stolen in Canton, according to Det. Sgt. McCarthy.

City police charged Brandon T. Dobbs, 18, of 101 Front St., Rensselaer Falls, in relation to this incident. Mr. Dobbs was arraigned in city court and released under the supervision of probation.

Det. McCarthy and the Ogdensburg Police Department are asking the public to minimize the risk of having their vehicle stolen by not leaving keys inside vehicles.

"It is also wise to lock your car doors," Det. McCarthy said, "As thefts of property from inside motor vehicles are even more prevalent than thefts of the vehicles themselves."