Vehicle crime (Credit: Bucks County DA)
Auto theft and related crimes are on the rise in Bucks County and across the region, prompting the District Attorney’s Office to issue a public warning about the risks drivers face depending on where and how they park.
Officials described vehicle crime as a “game of whack-a-mole,” with law enforcement tamping down one form of theft only to see another emerge. Beyond well-known threats such as carjackings or stolen vehicles, investigators said residents should be aware of less obvious tactics that thieves use to target drivers in both city streets and quiet suburban neighborhoods.
One common method is “handle flipping,” in which thieves walk through neighborhoods trying car doors until they find one left unlocked. Once inside, they can steal valuables, use garage door openers or keys left in the vehicle to gain access to homes, and in some cases, drive away with the car itself.
Authorities warned that criminals often return to the same streets in waves, striking multiple times over weeks or months.
Another growing risk stems from predictable parking patterns. Investigators said thieves look for opportunities when they know drivers will be away for extended periods — such as shopping at a mall, working out at a gym, or playing games at a casino.
Cars left with valuables in plain sight are especially vulnerable, and criminals are increasingly willing to break windows or steal entire vehicles if they believe the reward is high enough.
The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that the impact of vehicle crime extends well beyond the inconvenience of a break-in. Stolen cars are often used in other violent crimes such as burglaries or assaults, and personal documents left inside a vehicle can expose victims to identity theft or even home invasion. Widespread theft also drives up insurance rates, meaning entire communities bear the cost.
Officials urged residents to adopt simple but critical safety habits: always lock vehicles, take the keys, avoid leaving valuables behind, and choose well-lit, well-trafficked parking areas when possible.
“Common sense is not always common practice,” the DA’s release stated. “Do not give a thief the opportunity. Protect yourself, protect your community.”
