ITHACA, N.Y. — Following an increase in stolen vehicles and vehicle larcenies this year has led to rising concern within the Ithaca Police Department.
Officer Jamie Williamson, spokesman for IPD, said on Friday that despite many recent reports, there are at least four verified cases in which vehicles are confirmed to have been stolen. Williamson said there were several more reports, but due to the long process of verification, some remained unfinished.
“We are still investigating the particulars of each incident,” he said. “We are unable to link the vehicles to any other crimes.”
Williamson said the process of connecting the thieves of the stolen vehicles varied case-to-case, often causing completion of the reports to be drawn out. He added that the rise in these crimes also seemed ‘abnormal to the city.
“It’s certainly not something we’re used to seeing,” he said. “Everytime we see an increase in [crime] it catches our attention because we’re not plagued by the same crimes which plague other communities.”
The investigation following the stolen vehicles is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. If you have any more information or leads about this issue IPD asks that you call dispatch at 607-272-3245.