07/28/2026
Good evening neighbors!
Please see below for a message from our CPD Community Liaison, Officer Wendell Tolber, regarding the increase in break-ins around our neighborhood, as well as surrounding neighborhoods.
Thanks,
Hunter Sully
Vice President
Berwick Civic Association
Vehicle break-ins at residential addresses have increased in our precinct. If your vehicle is parked on the street or in your driveway, you have options. Here's what works, based on what we're seeing.
YOUR CHOICE: LOCKED OR UNLOCKED
This is your decision. Both strategies have trade-offs. Know the implications:
IF YOU LOCK YOUR VEHICLE:
Pro: Thieves can't open the door quietly.
Con: In our precinct, locked vehicles are still being broken into—window smashed, forced entry, alarm triggered.
Con: You pay for window repair and your car is vulnerable while damaged.
Con: Broken glass on the seat and floor.
IF YOU LEAVE IT UNLOCKED:
Pro: Thief checks the door, finds nothing inside, moves on. No broken glass. No damage. No repair.
Pro: Your car is ready to use the next morning.
Con: You must remove ALL valuables inside. No exceptions.
Con: Requires discipline—every single time you park.
The bottom line: An empty vehicle—locked or unlocked—is not worth breaking into. Removing valuables is your real defense.
REMOVE & TAKE INSIDE
Phone chargers, headphones, electronics
Backpacks, bags, purses (even if empty)
Sunglasses, hats, personal items
Garage door openers (criminals use these for home entry)
Registration, insurance cards, tax returns (anything with your address)
Coins, loose change, any visible items on seats
ADDITIONAL DETERRENTS
Visible video surveillance. Install a doorbell camera or driveway camera with visible recording light. Criminals avoid recorded areas.
Motion-activated lighting. Front porch and driveway lights—proven to reduce break-ins 40–60%.
Clear sightlines. Trim bushes, move bins. Thieves target hidden or blocked driveways.
Steering wheel lock or brake pedal lock. Visible deterrent—may deter opportunistic thieves.
Window tint. Reduces visibility into your vehicle.
Alarm system decal. Even an older system signals added friction.
Dash camera. Recording light and potential witness footage.
WHERE & HOW YOU PARK
Use your driveway if you have one—safer than street parking.
If parking on street, choose well-lit areas near streetlights.
Back into driveway so you face the street—better visibility and faster exit.
Avoid dark, isolated, or brush-blocked areas.
Vary your routine if possible—predictability makes you an easy mark.
Never leave your car running or with keys inside.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Coordinate with neighbors on visible lighting and parking strategy.
Create a social media alert network—share photos and descriptions of suspicious vehicles or activity.
Report immediately. Don't wait. A circling vehicle or person checking cars is actionable.
Document suspicious activity: time, vehicle description, direction of travel, which addresses were checked.
IF YOUR VEHICLE IS BROKEN INTO
Document: Take photos of the scene, damage, and time.
Report to CPD: Non-emergency (614-645-4545) or online at columbuspolice.org. Get your case number.
Contact me: Email [email protected]. I track these incidents to identify patterns.
Share details: Post suspect/vehicle description on neighborhood alert network.
The strategy is simple: remove valuables, secure your property with lighting and cameras, and stay coordinated with neighbors. I'm working with CPD to increase patrols in high-risk areas. Your part—removing temptation and staying visible—is critical.
Officer Wendell J. Tolber #2152
9 Precinct Community Liaison
120 Marconi Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-645-1409 Office
614-645-4111 Fax
