Leader Staff
Shawano police were investigating two stolen car complaints Monday morning, one of which they believe could be connected to an earlier incident involving a man who fled on foot from an accident.
The chain of events started shortly after 1:30 a.m. when police spotted a vehicle driving without headlights in the area of Pine and Franklin streets. There was an attempted traffic stop and a short pursuit that was ultimately terminated, police said.
However, the same vehicle was found about two hours later at Circle and First streets, where it had hit a house. A male driver had fled and a 57-year-old female passenger was still in the vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Police subsequently received two auto theft complaints, including one in the neighborhood of Circle and First streets. Another vehicle was also reported stolen in the 500 block of North Franklin Street.
Capt. Jeff Heffernon said the incidents serve as another reminder for people to lock up their vehicles and take their keys. He said that means not just taking them out of the ignition, but glove compartments, cup holders or anyplace else in the vehicle.
“Car thieves will look through many cars before they find one with the keys inside. That’s the one they take,” Heffernon said. “The days of hot-wiring a car are long gone.”