Sep 16, 2009 7:43 pm US/Mountain
Police: Vehicles Stolen With Valet Keys Increases
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) ―
Police in Jefferson County want to warn the public about an increase in vehicle thefts that involve the using of a valet key commonly found in the glove compartment of many vehicles.
The busy Federal Boulevard around the intersection of 6th Avenue seems to be the latest hot spot for stealing cars.
Sergeant Dave Hoover of the Jefferson County Regional Auto Theft Task Force (JRATT) said that many vehicles come with a valet key that is usually with the ownership manual or paperwork commonly kept in the glove compartment.
"The suspects realize, 'Well hey, some of these vehicles and some of these companies make these keys and they're being left in the glove box," Hoover said.
Police are urging people to check their vehicles for the valet key and remove it.
"There are probably many vehicle owners that don't even know their car came with a valet key," Hoover said.
Lakewood police say they're seeing a rash of cars stolen and later abandoned on the north side of Lakewood. In the time between when they're stolen and abandoned, they're being used for other crimes.
"Robberies, burglaries, other auto thefts," Hoover said.
Police believe a car theft ring is responsible for the spike in stolen cars.
The most common car stolen is a Lexus.
For further information contact Sgt. Dave Hoover at (303) 987-4901.
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