A reader in neighboring Pinehurst wrote to ask us to remind all of our readers to never leave anything in your car, even if just for a few minutes. Elizabeth shares her account from Thursday night when she was parked at Bark! Espresso, which is north of Maple Leaf at 11335 Roosevelt Way N.E.:
I wanted to let you know about a car prowl last night and to WARN other people. Last night at 5:45 pm (it was still very light out at that time) I left my work bag (containing my wallet, cell phone, purse, ipod, library books etc) on the front seat while I ran into Great Dog for literally 5 minutes. I parked in the small “lot” next to Bark Espresso. By the time I got back out to my car someone had smashed the passenger side window and stolen my bag and contents which total over $1K to replace. I scanned the area and saw NOTHING and NOBODY. I am simply amazed that in the short amount of time I was gone someone was able to silently break my car window, grab my things and disappear. Apparently, someone in Bark was sitting right by the window nearest my car and they saw and heard nothing. I have always believed MapleLeaf/Pinehurst are relatively safe and so have often left a bag in my locked car while I ran a very quick errand. NEVER Again! Please remind people that leaving items in your car for even a very short period is not a good idea.
I was gone literally 5 minutes, it was light out, there were lots of people around. I thought, what are the odds? Apparently, on that day, they were high. I’ve learned my lesson!
Much personal property that might be stolen from you car should be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Assemble a list of what was stolen and talk to your agent.
Never, ever leave valuables in your car. Pinehurst and Maple Leaf are extremely safe compared with the rest of the city. But, crimes still happens. Most incidents in our neighborhood involve unlocked home doors and valuables left in vehicles.