Following fourth stolen vehicle in 2024, Rockland Police urge residents to report suspicious activity immediately
ROCKLAND — On Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, Rockland Police took a report of a stolen vehicle from Main Street in Rockland. Officers on patrol worked diligently, locating and stopped the vehicle, according to RPD, in a news release. The juvenile operator was arrested and charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
This is Rocklands fourth such motor vehicle theft in 2024 alone.
“All four cases were solved and the offenders charged; however these cases present a huge danger to the public, as the operators are more often than not unlicensed and not safe to operate a motor vehicle,” said RPD.
In all four vehicle thefts this year (and in 100% of the vehicle thefts in the past 10 years) the keys were left inside the vehicle.
“Locking your vehicle and never leaving your vehicle with the keys inside is a simple solution that not only keeps your vehicle and property safe but keeps everyone on the roadways safe and can very easily save a life,” said RPD.
Additionally over the weekend, several folks made late reports to law enforcement about suspicious individuals or in one case reported chasing someone away who they caught in the act of stealing their property. These incidents were reported to law enforcement hours or sometimes days after the incident.
“PLEASE, call us IMMEDIATELY if you witness a crime or suspicious behavior!” said RPD. “Rockland Police are on patrol 24/7 and any delay in these types of reports greatly hinders if not destroys any ability we have to apprehend or identify the suspects. Officers do their best to patrol the city but cannot be everywhere at once. Our ability to apprehend or identify suspects requires quick reporting of incidents like these by citizens.”
(207) 594-0677 OR (207) 593-9132 (NON-EMERGENCY #)
9-1-1 (EMERGENCY/IMMEDIATE THREAT TO LIFE OR PROPERTY)
