Crime & Safety
Columbia Teen Charged in 21 Thefts from Vehicles: Police
He staked out neighborhoods beforehand, Howard County police said.
A 17-year-old from Columbia was charged with multiple offenses, including a felony, in connection with a series of recent thefts from vehicles, the Howard County Police Department reported.
The teen staked out communities in the River Hill and Clarksville areas, then used a stolen bike Tuesday night to ransack unlocked vehicles, police said.
He is accused of stealing money, electronics, jewelry and sunglasses from 21 unlocked cars.
The thefts occurred in Blue Point Court, Drum Taps Court, Few Star Court, Garden Walk, Gatekeeper Lane, Golden Seeds Row, Helmsman Way, Mystic Ocean Lane, Perfect Calm Court and Pouring Glories Way, according to the report.
Police said the 17-year-old Columbia man was arrested the day after the thefts and charged with felony theft scheme, rogue and vagabond, and multiple counts of misdemeanor theft.
The teen was released to the custody of his parents, police said.
Don't Become a Victim
- Lock your vehicle.
- Put shopping bags and packages in the trunk.
- Park where it's well-lit.
- Take valuables out of your vehicle.
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