Car break-ins raise concerns in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Mass News is getting answers on recent car break-ins in the Springfield area.

Now, Springfield police are investigating as well as giving some advice.

Very scary moments for some folks over the weekend as Springfield police are making it very clear: keep your cars locked.

Investigations are ongoing after multiple vehicle break-ins in Springfield.

At least one of them allegedly involving a gun.

Springfield police says one of the reports talked about an incident on Worcester Street in the Indian Orchard neighborhood, where a gunshot went off just as the victim was confronting the person trying to steal his vehicle while it was running in the driveway.

Springfield police spokesperson Ryan Walsh giving more details on that incident.

“There was another car working with the individual stealing that car. These kids, usually kids, they work in groups. In the summertime, they might be on bikes (and) they’re just looking to break into vehicles to find some valuables. There are other groups that are looking to steal cars,” said Ryan Walsh, spokesperson, Springfield Police Department.

Western mass News has received numerous calls from viewers saying they have Ring camera video of these type of incidents occurring.

One person even saying there were two attempts in their driveway just in the past month.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno says car breaks have been down about 20%, but he says his city is ready to respond to any of these kinds of situations.

“We have specialized patrols that go out there,” Sarno explained adding, “It’s a crime of convenience, so make sure your vehicle is locked.”

Mayor Sarno also asking the courts to help when arrests for this type of crime are made.

As for Springfield police, they are imploring the public to make sure they lock their vehicles.

“Never ever leave anything valuable in the car. That makes you a soft target if there’s something in your vehicle that someone sees,” noted Walsh.

He also says if you have a Hyundai or a Kia, you should put a club on your wheel so a thief doesn’t won’t be able to drive away with your vehicle.

As for these recent incidents, no arrests have been made and the investigations are ongoing.