North Four Corners News ♦ February 2025

Recent Auto Parts Thefts in Our North Four Corners Neighborhood

By Brandon Boback

In recent months, the North Four Corners neighborhood and surrounding communities have experienced a surge in auto parts thefts, causing concern among residents and local authorities.  According to Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), there have been more than 20 reported auto break-ins and stolen parts across our local area since 2 December 2024.  The thefts have primarily targeted vehicles parked on residential streets, with thieves stealing valuable parts such as airbags, catalytic converters, and tires.

A neighbor, whose car was recently vandalized, reached out to Councilmember Kristin Mink’s office, and her staff worked with the NFCCA Board to set up a Zoom meeting with 4th District Commander Captain David Smith on 13 January 2025.  Councilmember Mink, who serves on the County Council’s Public Safety Committee, also joined the session.

Captain Smith noted the challenges that police face in solving these crimes, which occur in the middle of the night.  He stresses the importance of reporting crimes, even if only low-value items are stolen.  Police compile these reports and use the data to track trends and evaluate potential staffing adjustments.

The NFCCA community is split between police District 3 (White Oak) and District 4 (Wheaton).  The Montgomery County Police department is currently reevaluating these police district boundaries to adjust staffing levels for addressing the needs of the community served by each district.  As in other jurisdictions, staffing levels have fallen and recruiting is challenging.

MCPD continually reminds residents to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles.  Thefts from unlocked vehicles are easily preventable.  MCPD urges everyone to remove valuables (purse, wallet, electronics, spare change, etc.), take vehicle keys, and lock vehicle doors with your windows completely closed.

Captain Smith encourages residents to take additional security measures, such as turning on outdoor lighting, installing security cameras, and using steering wheel locks to deter potential thieves.  There are several programs that the County periodically offers to prevent crimes, including etching for catalytic converters, security camera incentive program, and wheel-locks.

More information about these programs can be found on the 4th District website [link below] and MoCoConnect, a new public safety program enabling the residents of Montgomery County to help keep their community safe.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and always report any suspicious activity to the police.  Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website [link below] or by calling 1.866.411.8477.  To report a motor vehicle crime or suspicious activity that is not an immediate emergency, please call the nonemergency number, 301.279.8000.

[Board member Boback lives on Edgewood Avenue.  Editor’s Note:  Our neighborhood is split between the third and fourth MCPD districts.  The Fourth District is north of Dennis Avenue/Lockridge Drive (towards Wheaton); the Third District is south of same (towards Colesville Road).  Only the Fourth District website contains information on the programs mentioned.]   ■

Wheaton Fourth District   Crime Solvers of Montgomery County