Tik-Tok Challenge: Is That To Blame For Horsham Vehicle Crimes?

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Horsham Township Police Department is warning residents to protect their vehicles after a recent theft, a vehicle break-in, and three thefts from vehicles so far this month.

It’s unknown if the recent media attention given to a Tik-Tok Challenge had anything to do with the thefts, Lt. Lawrence E. Bozzomo said.

The rash has prompted an alert from police regarding the crimes and suggestions on how to prevent them.

“Horsham, like most all area suburban communities, continues to experience overnight auto burglaries, Horsham ChATs posted on Facebook. “We need your assistance to help make Horsham a hard target for those who commit these crimes.”

Last Tuesday, a Butternut Drive resident reported that their Hyundai had been stolen. The vehicle was later recovered in Warminster, police said.

Last Monday, Horsham Police responded to a report of an attempted theft of a vehicle on Sherwood Lane. The resident found their Kia’s steering column had been tampered with and the vehicle had been moved, police said.

Over the New Year’s weekend, three thefts from vehicles were reported at an apartment complex on Dresher Road.

Police said there is no information linking the thefts from vehicles with the thefts of vehicles.

Residents are urged to lock their cars and not to leave any valuables inside.

Police also offered the following tips:

Secure Your Vehicle

• Roll your car windows up all the way and always lock your doors.

Keep Your Vehicle Tidy

• Thieves like to window shop. Avoid leaving anything visible in the car. Almost any item that’s visible from the outside —even if you think it is worthless —could be seen as valuable to a thief. Spare change, sunglasses, and even an empty bag (a thief may think there is something inside the bag) could be valuable in the mind of a thief. Never leave cash, wallets, or purses in a vehicle.

Conceal All Electronics

• Stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight, or just take them with you. The proof alone might be enough to pique the interest of thieves, including items such as power cords, adapters, and GPS windshield suction-cup mounts. If you remove the suction cup, make sure to wipe the ring off the windshield; it’s a dead giveaway that you own a GPS.

Park Smart

• Park in a busy, well-lit area and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences, or foliage. Avoid parking in isolated and poorly lit areas.

Report Break-Ins

If you see a break-in in progress, call 911 immediately. Provide the 911 dispatcher with as much information as possible, such as:

• Location —Provide an address, block number, or specific location in a parking lot.
• Description of the suspect —Provide as much information as you can, i.e. sex, race, age, height, weight, hair color and length, color and length of facial hair, colors and style of clothing, and identifying marks such as tattoos and piercings.
• Direction —If the suspect flees, give the direction of travel. If they flee on a bicycle or in a vehicle, describe the color, make, model, and license plate number, if it is safe to do so. Never engage or pursue the suspect. Leave that to the police. They are trained, equipped, and prepared to handle the interaction.