Thieves have apparently found easy prey, as they broke into several parked cars of worshipers attending local churches this past Sunday, September 15.
The Burbank Police Department took nine separate reports for auto burglaries that occurred at or near local houses of worship between 8:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday. Victims reported losing laptop computers, an iPad, a GPS, tools, a briefcase, and books. The break-ins occurred while the car owners were attending worship services at five local Christian churches and one Jewish temple.
The burglaries occurred at First Christian Church of Burbank, 221 S. Sixth St.; Magnolia Park United Methodist Church/The Lighthouse at Magnolia; St. Finbar Catholic Church, 2020 W. Olive Ave.; St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.; St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 154 N. Fifth St.; and Temple Beth Emet, 600 N. Buena Vista St. One car was broken into in the parking lot of the Burbank Central Library, 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd. The parking lot is adjacent to St. Robert Bellarmine Church.
The Burbank Police Department is currently investigating the burglaries. The department advises everyone to secure their property when leaving it in a parked vehicle, and offers the following tips to keep from being a victim:
• Park in well-lit areas while visiting malls, shopping centers, and places of worship.
• Lock All doors and windows, even while in your own driveway or carport.
• Be aware of your surroundings while going to and leaving your vehicle.
• Make eye contact with those around you and your vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables (backpacks, computer bags, packages, GPS systems, in plain sight inside your vehicle. Secure them in the truck or a covered area inside the vehicle.
• If you see someone suspicious looking into vehicles, call the police.
• If you see a crime, be a good witness and obtain a description of the suspect(s) and the suspect vehicle — including the license plate.
• Remember to “Lock It, Hide It, Keep It.”
Just a clarification — there were no services going on at Temple Beth Emet, it was religious school. There was also a meeting of the Religious School Parents Association that morning and one of the parents attending was the victim.
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