On Thursday November 16, 2017, just after 5:00 a.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Verde Villages Unit #2 and #4, located outside of Cottonwood, regarding several vehicle burglaries. The burglaries were discovered as residents prepared to drive to work or while deputies canvassed the area and then notified owners.
In every instance, residents left their vehicles unlocked.
The suspect(s) were likely in the area between the late night hours on November 15, 2017, and the morning of these reports.
11 victim’s vehicles were located in the following areas: 2600 and 2700 block of Cliff View Drive, 4400 block of East Vista Drive, 2600 block of Mesa Lane, 4400 and 4500 block of Western Drive, and 4100 Mission Lane.
One of the residents indicated he interrupted a burglary as he heard someone call out when he went outside to warm up his car earlier that morning.
Many of the victims were fortunate and lost no valuables and others only lost some cash and/or coins left in their vehicles. Several vehicles contained expensive tools and credit cards that were left untouched. This was likely a crime of opportunity and deputies believe area juveniles may be involved.
Deputies are asking everyone in this area to remove valuables and LOCK unoccupied vehicles. There has been a rash of unlocked vehicle burglaries throughout Yavapai County communities over the past few months. In many cases, unattended firearms have been stolen. The Sheriff’s Office continues to remind residents to simply lock their car when parked to prevent a theft. Noise is a suspect’s enemy, so forcing entry into vehicles under these circumstances is unlikely.
Anyone with information on suspects in these crimes is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or ‘Tipsters’ may call Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232 with information and they never have to give their name.