Car thefts, curfew problems in 3rd precinct

BY ERIK MCCLANAHAN

Numerous areas in the 3rd Precinct have reported thefts from motor vehicles. Items taken from the vehicles have included anything from cash to CDs, and suspects may be on foot or on bicycles.

Minneapolis police suggest keeping all valuables out of sight when parking your vehicle. Placing valuables or packages in the truck of the car is probably the best solution to avoid luring a would-be car thief. Also, parking your vehicle in well-lit areas and scanning the surroundings is recommended. Always lock the doors, no matter how soon you plan to return, when parking your car.

There have been more than 50 curfew arrests in the 3rd precinct since July 1. Local ordinances on curfew hours for juveniles are as follows: For those under 12 years old, home by 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday.; 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.. Ages 12 to 14 must be home by 10 p.m. on weekdays, and then by 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Ages 15 to 17 are required to be at home by 11 p.m. during the week, and by midnight on the weekend. This county ordinance requires businesses to abide by curfew rules and to report violations.
The total number of theft, burglary and larceny crimes in Riverside neighborhoods from July 1 to August 17 are as follows:

Seward: 68, along with 14 auto thefts; Longfellow: 70, along with three auto thefts; Cooper: 20, along with four auto thefts; Howe: 39, along with four auto thefts; Hiawatha: 26 (with no robberies reported), and five additional auto thefts.