car stolen in Severna Park (crime, safe area, gated)

[Jmandl]

Well, we finally moved to Severna Park and our car was stolen on the second night. I don't get why. We had an old Dodge Grand Caravan (10yrs old). There are more expensive and nicer cars in the neighborhood.

The neighbors are shocked. It left me and the family feeling rattled. We thought we were moving to a nice, safe area.

In NJ, we left the car unlocked and even open (by accident) on many occasions. One time, my husband actually left the keys in the lock. Nothing like this ever happened.

I know this can happen anywhere USA. But, I am still feeling shocked that it happened to us and our old beat up, but dear car.

[soymabelen]

Originally Posted by Jmandl

Well, we finally moved to Severna Park and our car was stolen on the second night. I don't get why. We had an old Dodge Grand Caravan (10yrs old). There are more expensive and nicer cars in the neighborhood.

The neighbors are shocked. It left me and the family feeling rattled. We thought we were moving to a nice, safe area.

In NJ, we left the car unlocked and even open (by accident) on many occasions. One time, my husband actually left the keys in the lock. Nothing like this ever happened.

I know this can happen anywhere USA. But, I am still feeling shocked that it happened to us and our old beat up, but dear car.

I am sorry this happened to you. No matter what, being a victim of crime makes you feel vulnerable and shaken, especially when you are new to the area.

[RaisedWell]

Originally Posted by Jmandl

Well, we finally moved to Severna Park and our car was stolen on the second night. I don't get why. We had an old Dodge Grand Caravan (10yrs old). There are more expensive and nicer cars in the neighborhood.

The neighbors are shocked. It left me and the family feeling rattled. We thought we were moving to a nice, safe area.

In NJ, we left the car unlocked and even open (by accident) on many occasions. One time, my husband actually left the keys in the lock. Nothing like this ever happened.

I know this can happen anywhere USA. But, I am still feeling shocked that it happened to us and our old beat up, but dear car.

I am sooo sorry that this happened to you and especially on your second night. This has happened to me twice in my lifetime and I know how you're feeling. One thing I can tell you is that your vehicle was probably stolen for the parts. My van was stolen on Christmas Eve one year. When it was found a month later, it was stripped down to nothing..........seats, steering wheel, glove compartment, gone!!

Since then I have been overly paranoid and never park anywhere without locking all doors and locking my wheel with the anti-theft device.

[tercel95]

I tell this to a lot of people that want to live near the city. Even if your area seems nice and safe that only means so much when the rough areas are right down the street... Whoever stole your car I'm sure doesn't live there...

Older cars like that are stolen because the parts are easier to move without suspicion... For instance there would be a lot more demand for a fender for a dodge caravan or a honda civic than a BMW... Not to mention the older cars are much easier to steal... A 92-00 civic with no alarm can be done in less than 5 minutes without making a sound...

I own one of the most stolen cars in the country (honda civic Si)... My car was stolen in broad daylight from Arundel Mills mall... You might want to invest in a two-way pager alarm for all of your vehicles for peace of mind... They aren't that expensive and chances are a thief will just move onto something else...

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Jmandl

Well, we finally moved to Severna Park and our car was stolen on the second night. I don't get why. We had an old Dodge Grand Caravan (10yrs old). There are more expensive and nicer cars in the neighborhood.

The neighbors are shocked. It left me and the family feeling rattled. We thought we were moving to a nice, safe area.

In NJ, we left the car unlocked and even open (by accident) on many occasions. One time, my husband actually left the keys in the lock. Nothing like this ever happened.

I know this can happen anywhere USA. But, I am still feeling shocked that it happened to us and our old beat up, but dear car.

Sorry to hear that. In the crime stats for Alexandria every week i often see older cars stolen more than newer cars. I always engage my anti-theft device (steering wheel/brake club) wherever i go. My car is full of dents and scratches so it cant look that desirable. I also own a car that is popular with theives (98-02 honda accord.)

I may sound crazy but i would rather them steal my whole car rather than what is going on here on the West side of Alexandria and my building. Parts like bumpers, hoods, and doors are being stolen right off the cars while the rest of the car is left barren. What is really scary is that this is occuring in "secured and gated" parking garages of apt buildings. There is even a petition circulating in my building right now to get cameras put in the garage. I didnt even know there werent any in the garage to begin with!!!!

With the recession i think it will get much worse before it gets better.

[sd6262]

Whoa. May I ask which neighborhood? I moved here under a year ago and am still feeling my way around.

[Jmandl]

Manhattan Beach.

[sd6262]

I'm in MB too, hey neighbor!

[rubytue]

Dodge Caravan - easy to jimmy open, can fit the entire posse of kids for a joy ride. Also used for stealing motorcycles

[kinkytoes]

There has been an uptick in property crime all over, to my knowledge. In many cases it seems it's not reported. Sorry this happened, but I hope you made a police report.