FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                          September 26, 2003

THIEVES ARE STEALING VANS TO STEAL MOTORCYCLES IN CARY

CARY , NC – The Town of Cary ’s Police Department is asking for your help in apprehending those responsible for a slew of thefts of motorcycles and vans.  Nineteen vans and 14 motorcycles have been reported stolen so far this calendar year.  Most of the thefts are occurring in commercial and apartment complex parking lots.  The majority of the motorcycles stolen have been sport-type bikes.  

Overall, motor vehicle thefts in Cary are up nearly 33 percent over the same period last year, and motor vehicle thefts for August 2003 are up 82 percent over August 2002.  Losses from motor vehicle thefts in Cary this year thus far total $1,311,706.    

As police work to catch the crooks, they remind drivers to always remove their keys from vehicles, lock the doors, and park in well lit areas. Consider installing vehicle alarms, tracking systems, immobilizer systems, steering wheel locking devices, and starter "kill" switches.  

Cary Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of individuals responsible for these crimes.  Anyone with information may contact Crime Stoppers at 226-CRIM(E), pressing option 3 for Cary or contact Investigator Brisco Gasperson at (919) 462-3816 or Investigator Jim Grier at (919) 462-4319.  All calls will be kept CONFIDENTIAL at caller's request.  

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