RUMFORD — A rash of vehicle burglaries and stolen cars this week has prompted police Chief Stacy Carter to urge people not to leave their keys or valuables in their unlocked vehicles.

“Over the past week, we have received numerous reports of vehicles having been rummaged through,” Carter said in a news release Wednesday.

“In most cases, nothing appeared to be missing. Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and to not leave valuables in plain sight,” he said.

Additionally, two vehicles were stolen and crashed into parked vehicles.

At 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, police received a report of a crash in Rumford. An investigation revealed that the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox was stolen in Mexico and crashed on Pine Street.

“The Equinox had gone through a fence and struck a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, which then was pushed into another parked vehicle,” Carter said.

The Equinox was impounded pending further investigation. Officer Matthew Desroches and Mexico police are investigating.

At 3:28 a.m. Sunday, another crash report on Pine Street was received. Officers learned that a 2003 Jeep was stolen from a Franklin Street driveway and crashed into vehicles on Pine Street. Officer James McLamb and Cpl. Lawrence Winson are investigating.

Carter said the stolen vehicles were not hot-wired; the keys were inside.

Police are unsure if the Pine Street location in both crashes is a coincidence.

“We are investigating all aspects,” he said.

Residents are urged to call the Police Department at 354-4551 if they see suspicious activity.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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