LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro Police are highlighting a recent crackdown on vehicle thefts and break-ins that has led to more than 30 arrests in the past month.
LMPD shared video Wednesday showing one of those arrests, which began when officers used a grappling device to stop a car driven by a theft suspect.
The suspect then took off running into a creek bed, but an LMPD helicopter tracked him from above. The pilot quickly directed officers on the ground to his location, where he was taken into custody.
Police said the suspect was one of about 30 people recently arrested in connection with vehicle thefts and break-ins across Louisville.
"We've probably dedicated as many resources to thefts from autos and car break-ins and car thefts as maybe we ever have," Chief Paul Humphrey said. "And there's been a lot of collaboration between the divisions and the units within LMPD to focus on this problem in just about every neighborhood."
Investigators said some suspects have specifically targeted work trucks parked outside hotels.
Humphrey said they used glass breakers and devices to re-key cars. He believes the criminals were searching for guns.
"Take firearms out of your cars," Humphrey said. "People are often targeting vehicles because they are searching for firearms specifically."
Humphrey said people who break into and steal cars are involved in other kinds of crime, too.
"We've locked up several people on warrants, drug possession, gun charges, all across the gamut," Humphrey said.
Humphrey said the department plans to continue putting resources toward combating vehicle thefts and break-ins.
"To those people who continue to steal, we're coming after you," Humphrey said. "We're absolutely going to devote every resource available to us to make sure we put you in jail as long as possible."
Police are also reminding drivers that preventing theft can start with a few simple steps. LMPD recommends locking vehicles at night, taking key fobs inside and never leaving guns or other valuables in a vehicle.
"I know it might be easy, but no one wants to get a call one day that says their firearm that we recovered was used in a violent crime or a homicide," Humphrey said.
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