Cambridge police warn residents after spike in car break-ins and vehicle thefts on east side

Cambridge, MD – A rise in suspicious activity, attempted vehicle thefts and stolen cars across several East Cambridge neighborhoods has prompted police to issue a public warning urging residents to secure their vehicles and report suspicious behavior immediately.

The Cambridge Police Department said Thursday that officers have responded throughout May to an increase in calls involving people looking into parked cars, vehicle damage, attempted thefts and confirmed stolen vehicles on the city’s east side.

Police identified Deep Harbor, Byrn Street, Meteor Avenue, Crusader Avenue, Rambler Road and Roslyn Avenue among the areas seeing increased activity.

Police Urge Residents to Stay Vigilant

In a public service announcement released Thursday, the department encouraged residents to lock vehicles, remove valuables from plain view and remain alert for suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

Cambridge Police Chief Justin R. Todd said community involvement will play a major role in slowing the recent crime trend.

“Make sure that if you observe any suspicious activity or person(s) in your area to immediately contact the Cambridge Police Department,” the department stated in the release.

Police also asked residents to gather as much information as safely possible when reporting suspicious individuals, including clothing descriptions, physical characteristics and direction of travel.

The department did not specify how many vehicle-related incidents have been reported this month or whether investigators believe the crimes are connected.

Key Points

• Cambridge police reported an increase in vehicle thefts and break-ins during May
• Several east-side neighborhoods, including Deep Harbor and Roslyn Avenue, were affected
• Residents are being urged to secure vehicles and report suspicious activity immediately

East-Side Neighborhoods See Growing Concerns

The warning highlights growing concerns in residential sections of Cambridge where residents have reported suspicious people checking parked vehicles overnight.

Police said some incidents involved attempted vehicle thefts while others resulted in stolen vehicles or damage to cars left unsecured.

The department urged homeowners to increase visibility around their properties by using exterior lighting and posting “No Trespassing” or surveillance warning signs.

Officials said illuminated properties and visible monitoring signs can discourage criminal activity and help officers identify suspicious behavior more quickly.

The department also emphasized that leaving valuables inside vehicles — especially in plain sight — can increase the likelihood of break-ins.

Community Cooperation Central to Prevention Efforts

Cambridge police framed the recent increase in vehicle-related crimes as a community-wide issue requiring cooperation between residents and law enforcement.

“It is the community in whole working with the Police Department that will help stop these crimes from occurring,” the department stated.

Police encouraged residents to remain proactive and vigilant as officers continue monitoring affected neighborhoods and responding to reports tied to the recent uptick in activity.

No arrests or suspect descriptions were included in Thursday’s advisory, and investigators have not announced whether additional patrols are being deployed in the impacted areas.

The Cambridge Police Department said residents should immediately report suspicious activity by calling 410-228-3333.

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