PSA 206: Burglaries, Stolen Packages and Smash-and-Run Thefts

Georgetown's Police Service Area 206 (PSA) saw a slight uptick in burglaries and continued to experience a steady stream of thefts over the past month. Commander Michael Reese made his first appearance at the Second District Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) meeting Wednesday night, providing those in attendance with crime updates for each PSA.

Cmdr. Reese said PSA 206 has seen a "slight increase in burglaries" mostly concentrated around the 29th and 30th Streets area on Georgetown's East Side. Most of the burglaries occurred without forced entry; the doors were unlocked.

Burleith has recently been a-buzz on the community listserv about stolen packages. Cmdr. Reese said he and his officers are aware of the concerns. He said the problem is that the thieves are mobile and drive or bike around looking for easy grabs; the best option, though inconvenient, is to have packages sent elsewhere.

The commander added that word gets around among criminals and potential thieves when an area is "easy pickins'" and right now the word is that the Second District is easy with its unlocked doors and cars and packages on front steps.

Georgetown continues to be a target for thefts and shoplifting, said Cmdr. Reese. Recently there have been a couple "smash and robs," including one at the Northface store. In the Northface case, the thief pulled up in a white van, broke the front window, took a couple of racks of clothes and took off. This took place at 3 a.m. and in all of 30 seconds the thief stole some $1000 in merchandise.

Cmdr. Reese said the Second District would soon be adjusting coverage to take in account the warmer weather, lighter days and the increase in foot traffic that comes with the change in seasons.