Teen Theft from Unlocked Vehicles

Whether living in downtown Salt Lake City or the rural southwest town of Ivins Utah, residents are warned to not have unlocked vehicles with recent statewide theft by teens.

Theft and sometimes vandalism

On June 5th 2015 an 18 year old Ivins, Utah resident was arrested after he got drunk and roamed around leaving scratches on the exterior of several cars and rifling through the owner’s personal property inside the unlocked vehicles. In his drunken stupor he didn’t manage to actually steal anything and unlike most vehicle break ins, he left plenty of evidence for police to catch him, including his blood.

Easy access

Most theft from unlocked cars happens at night when residents are asleep. Without any tools needed, anyone can open a car door and rummage through the belongings unnoticed. This petty theft doesn’t usually involve any damage, besides a dead battery from a door being left ajar and interior lights on. Unlocked vehicles are easy access for bored or broke teens looking for pocket cash, CDs, and other valuables. While cash and change are the main focus for theft from unlocked vehicles, occasionally CDs, GPS devices and even expensive sunglasses will be stolen. However, these items if pawned can be traced back to the thief.

Just because it’s unlocked, doesn’t mean it’s legal

Even though overly trusting Utah residents are at partial fault for the unlocked vehicles, it is still a crime to take property that belongs to someone else. If a teen is caught going through someone else’s vehicle or if they are found with items that are reported missing, the charges could involve criminal mischief, theft, and possession of stolen property. To speak with someone regarding these or other juvenile charges, call a juvenile criminal defense attorney.