Sierra Vista Sees A Spike In Vehicle Break-ins Recently

Local Car Robbery's

Three vehicle robberies happened in Sierra Vista on January 31st, February 2nd, and February 4th. These vehicles break ins have caused a lot of talk on social media and in the local community. Press releases were made available by SVPD and shared important insight into these incidents.

Get our free mobile app

READ NOW: Scammers are Now Imitating Arizona Police, What Now?

January 31st

"On Saturday, Jan. 31, at about 11:20 a.m., Sierra Vista police officers responded to the 400 block of Denman Avenue for a delayed report of vehicle burglary." States an official SVPD press release. Three suspects were reported to be at the location of the robbery at 2 a.m. They attempted to break into two vehicles at least.

One vehicle had personal items removed from it, although they were left at the scene. Other cars involved were reported to be unharmed. Local home surveillance systems did not catch the break ins, but they did show three people "...with one pulling out a firearm and pointing it at an apartment complex. The suspects were wearing face-concealing masks." States the press release.

February 2nd

On February 2nd at 10:30 PM a victim reported a car break in that had occurred in the Walmart Parking lot in Sierra Vista. Personal items had been stolen from her car including a firearm.

According to the official press release posted by SVPD, "SVPD detectives reviewed Walmart surveillance video and located two individuals of interest in the case. Following the release of surveillance photos, members of the public provided valuable tips that led to the positive identification of two men."

Investigation revealed that of the two men identified, only one of them was involved. He was arrested in his home on Tuesday by the Sierra Vista police Department, with help from the Huachuca City Police Department and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

February 4th

The vehicle burglary that happened on February 4th was cited by SVPD as being unrelated to the two prior crimes. At 12:30 on February 4th, a victim reported a potential car robbery at the 2200 block of Las Brisas Way. Officers discovered shortly after that two vehicles located in the area of the 1400 block of Carmelita Drive and 800 block of Lenzner Avenue had been broken into as well.

The official press release states, "SVPD arrested a juvenile for three counts of vehicle burglary, one count of possession of burglary tools, one count of felony criminal damage, and one count of underage possession of marijuana."

No video surveillance was used to capture the suspect, and due to the suspect status as a juvenile, SVPD will not be releasing any photo identification.

How can you protect yourself!?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has lots of advice about car theft and break ins. Here are 5 of their top recommendations for keeping your vehicle safe!

1.) Be mindful of where you put your key! Never leave your key in the car or unattended. An easy to access key makes an easy to access, and steal, car.

2.) Park in areas with lots of light! Parking nearby streetlights, in direct sight of a window, or near the entrance of a building makes your car less appealing to burglars. A well-lit space not only deters potential wrong doers, but it also makes them more visible and more likely to be caught by people and surveillance systems.

3.) Never leave valuables in your car. You know that iPad you hide under your front seat while you run into the store? Don't do that if you don't have to! Even if a potential perpetrator can't see any valuables in your car, they still might target you. Avoiding leaving valuables in the car at all reduces the chance of something important being stolen.

4.) Ensure your car is locked and your alarm is engaged before leaving your vehicle unattended! Thief's will target cars that are easier to get into, and if your car is unlocked, easy pickings! If you have your car alarm engaged, the sound of the alarm blaring might scare away anyone trying to get in, and alert people nearby.

5.) Report any signs of an attempted car break in. Submit any footage and evidence you can as well. Reporting break in's makes officers aware of potential criminals. This information can help put these people in jail and makes car jackings less likely in the future.

If you would like to see more local press releases, visit the City of Sierra Vistas website. If you ever have any information on criminal cases, be sure to contact Sierra Vista Police Department or the Cochise County Sherrif's Department!

READ MORE: Winnie Ruth Judd: The Trunk Murderess Of Arizona's Past