KENMORE, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's happening more often – in Buffalo and the suburbs: thieves are breaking into cars and stealing items inside, as people warm up their cars on cold mornings.
Jason Carey of Kenmore said it's a major problem in his neighborhood.
"We've actually seen it on the street here, there will be a few gentlemen on bikes. You can't identify them because they're wearing masks, they'll go up and down every street looking for any car that's unlocked and they'll through anything that they can find, and steal it," he said.
Carey said it's an issue that's recently escalated, where thieves would break into people's garages and steal the cars.
"We're also hearing that the, some of the thefts have also occurred with vehicles, from Kenmore-Tonawanda area where people leave their vehicles running and someone will jump in with the keys in and take the vehicle," said Carey.
He has surveillance cameras installed outside his home and has gone to the police, but said it doesn't give them much to go on.
"There's not really a lot of evidence because it's a very quick in and out, they're heavily masked, the only identifying items would be their clothing. Which - that could be easily changed so it's hard for the police to really crack down on it," said Carey.
We've reached out to Kenmore Police for more information but have yet to hear back. Buffalo Police said these crimes of opportunity are also on the rise right now in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village.
Police said as a reminder, always keep you car doors locked, don't leave any valuables inside and do not leave your keys in the car.
