On two consecutive days last week, the Pella community experienced automobile thefts with similar modes of operation.

According to Pella Police Chief Robert Bokinsky, the first incident occurred on January 8 in the 200 block of Liberty Street between the hours of 6:45 AM and 5:30 PM. The vehicle was found abandoned later that evening in the Hamilton area. On Wednesday, January 9, between the hours of 12:35 and 4:00 PM a Ford F150 was stolen from the 300 block of South St, and was found in Bussey the next morning, with valuables missing. In both cases, Bokinsky says the keys were left in the vehicles. The Pella Police Department is asking that anyone with knowledge of the person or people who were involved in the thefts, or other information related to these crimes to contact Detective Justin Bailey at the Pella Police Department at 641-628-4921. The Pella Police Department is also encouraging members of the community to be vigilant in preventing crime by locking their car doors and keeping valuables out of cars.

The tips found below are from the Pella Police Department:
1. Do not leave your keys in the vehicle, and especially do not leave them in the ignition.
2. Always lock the doors and leave the windows rolled up.
3. Always activate auto alarms or anti-theft devices.
4. Park in a well-lit and non-secluded area.
5. Keep purses, electronic devices and other valuables out of sight. Expensive items
in full view invite theft even if the vehicle is locked. Don’t advertise the types of
equipment you have in your vehicle.
6. Do not leave money, checkbooks, or credit cards in the vehicle at any time.
7. Place valuable items in your trunk, not the front or back seats.
8. Know the license number, year, make and model of your vehicle.