Residents of Philadelphia’s Fitler Square neighborhood are once again dealing with a string of car break-ins targeting vehicle registration and other paperwork. This is the second spree of break-ins in the area in just one week, indicating these crimes may be part of an organized identity theft operation. In this article we talk about Thieves Target Car Registration Documents in Philly Break-In Spree.

According to NBC, the thieves are focusing on cars parked on both sides of Locust Street near 24th, breaking into vehicles facing the sidewalks. Many residents park here for free for extended periods and only discover the break-ins when they return to their cars. By that point, key paperwork containing personal information has already been taken.

“The worst thing is they opened the glove box. They obviously are stealing things and now I have to worry about my identity,” said one distraught car owner.

Method of Entry

The thieves’ usual method is smashing the side windows facing the sidewalk to gain access inside. They rifle through glove compartments and center consoles seeking out vehicle registrations, insurance cards, and other paperwork containing sensitive info. While doing so, they leave behind less valuable items like phone chargers and hair clips.

“It seems like they were on a mission,” said Christina Acevedo, a Fitler Square local.

What Paperwork is Being Targeted

Vehicle registrations appear to be the prime target. These forms contain several data points prized by identity thieves, including:

• Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
• Owner names and addresses
• License plate numbers

According to police, thieves use VINs to register stolen vehicles or file fraudulent insurance claims on totaled cars. Stolen license plate info also helps thieves commit other crimes without being tracked.

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

If your registration or other papers have been taken, here are some tips:

• File a police report immediately
• Notify your state’s DMV about the break-in and stolen documents
• Inform your insurance provider – they can put a fraud alert on your account
• Going forward, take valuables like registrations out of your vehicle.

“Acevedo expressed, “It’s truly alarming and frightening for anyone who parks their car on this block. “Yeah, it’s a stressful thing.”

The neighborhood also continues to work closely with Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who represents the area. Johnson understands residents’ concerns and advises promptly informing police of any break-in or theft.

By reporting crimes quickly and following fraud prevention best practices, Fitler Square residents can hopefully mitigate damages and avoid becoming victims of identity theft following this registration theft spree. I sincerely hope you find this “Thieves Target Car Registration Documents in Philly Break-In Spree-Find Out Details” article helpful.