EDINA, Minn. — Editor's note: The video above first aired Nov. 12, 2021.
Edina officials say auto thefts have increased more than 25 percent in the city from last year, prompting them to remind residents to lock their vehicles and take their valuables with them.
In a statement released Tuesday, officials said the Edina Police Department was made aware of three vehicles stolen from homes during daylight hours, as well as multiple instances of burglaries from vehicles over the weekend. They say recent thefts have targeted the city's Indian Hills and Country Club neighborhoods.
Due to the uptick in auto thefts from these areas, the police department says it has started patrolling those neighborhoods more frequently. It has also assigned an investigator to dig in to those cases.
“These are crimes of opportunity. The overwhelming majority of vehicles stolen were unlocked with keys left inside,” said Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn. “Please lock your vehicles. Even though it is getting colder, running vehicles should not be left unattended, either.”
The city says it recorded 49 thefts year to date in 2020, compared to 62 in 2021.
“We are in this together and with help from our residents, Edina police will continue our enforcement to hold offenders accountable for their criminal acts in our city,” Milburn said.
The police department offers these tips to prevent auto theft:
- Take your vehicle’s keys; do not leave them in or on your vehicle in a spare key holder.
- Do not leave your car running while unattended.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas when possible.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Close garage doors, even when you are home.