UPDATED: A spate of car thefts and vehicle break-ins prompted a round of social media posts and a town-issued alert from the Arlington Police Department advising “residents to take extra precautions following a recent increase in motor vehicle thefts and motor vehicle break-ins throughout the community.”
In the majority of reported incidents, vehicles were left unlocked and/or keys were left inside the vehicle, providing easy opportunities for thieves, according to the announcement issued on June 4. Residents are reminded to take the following steps to help prevent becoming a victim:
- Always lock your vehicle, even when parked in your driveway.
- Never leave keys, key fobs, or spare keys inside your vehicle.
- Remove valuables from plain view or take them with you.
- Close all windows and sunroofs when leaving your vehicle unattended.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Arlington Police Department immediately at 781-643-1212 or 911 if it is an emergency.
“These simple steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft and help keep our neighborhoods safe,” the alert said. “The Arlington Police Department appreciates the community’s cooperation and encourages everyone to remain vigilant.”
Social media posts from June 1 and June 2, with at least one including security camera video, warned that a group of what appear to be young males opening the doors of parked vehicles in the Morningside Heights neighborhood. “Anyone else seeing this?” a person asked on a post with video.
This news story, published on June 4, 2026, and updated, used information from the town of Arlington and social media posts.
