Reading Police urge vigilance following surge in vehicle break-ins and thefts

May 28

The Reading Police Department is investigating a series of recent vehicle break-ins and thefts that have disrupted the normally quiet community and prompted renewed calls for residents to secure their property.

On Monday, May 19, police received reports of 12 vehicles being entered overnight, with two vehicles stolen. The incidents occurred between approximately 11:30 pm on May 18 and 2:00 am on May 19, and were concentrated around Spruce Road, Marla Lane, Covey Hill Road, Henzie Street, Spring Street, Criterion Road, Gardner Road, and Rice Road. While some vehicles were rummaged through without anything taken, others had valuables stolen.

The department is asking residents in those areas - or nearby - to review any exterior camera footage from the timeframe and report anything suspicious to the department. “Detectives are working hard and following up on all leads,” the department said in a statement on social media, noting they are also collaborating with other agencies to investigate the use of stolen credit cards linked to the break-ins.

Only a week later, a dramatic early-morning police pursuit highlighted the regional scale of the issue. On Tuesday, May 27, at 2:30 am, Wellesley Police observed several masked individuals near an apartment complex and a gray Kia sedan with its lights off. When approached by police, the suspects fled in the vehicle - ramming a cruiser in the process - and led authorities on a high-speed chase on I-128 northbound. The chase ended at Exit 57 in Wakefield, where five suspects attempted to flee on foot. Four were apprehended with the help of Massachusetts State Police, Wakefield Police, Reading Police, and other agencies.

While the investigation is ongoing, authorities stress that nearly all of the targeted vehicles in Reading had one thing in common: they were unlocked, and in many cases, keys or key fobs and valuables were left inside.

“This is a reminder that, as safe as Reading is, crime can happen anywhere,” police said. “Please do not leave valuables in your car, do not leave car keys in the car, and lock your car doors. Always lock your home as well.”

Anyone with video footage or information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to call the Reading Police Department at 781-944-1212.

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