GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Deputies with the Kent County Sheriff's Office are reminding motorists to take precautions after they responded to two stolen vehicles in Grand Rapids Township Thursday morning.
“Unfortunately, right now we are just seeing a large spike that continues for car larcenies and stolen cars,” Undersheriff Chuck DeWitt said.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) says the thefts occurred near Crahen Avenue and Bradford Street.
We’re told one gun was also stolen.
The department tells us they responded to car thefts almost daily this week across Grand Rapids, Ada, Gaines, Cascade and Byron townships.
Four guns were stolen because they were inside vehicles when the thefts took place, according to KCSO.
“What’s different is, over the last week...we’ve seen that there were also four firearms that were stolen that were left in vehicles. Between stolen cars and stolen guns, it’s a very dangerous situation. What we’re finding is that most times it’s juveniles that are involved in those crimes,” DeWitt said.
Deputies say one car was recovered in Grand Rapids after being stolen from the Cascade-Spaulding area. However, that car was found with bullet holes.
“People may wonder, 'Are these stolen cars? Are they still a Kia and Hyundai problem?' Unfortunately, those are still being stolen, but the vast majority of those being stolen now are a non-Kia and a non-Hyundai vehicle— which leads one to believe and suspect that this is a result of people leaving their keys in their car,” DeWitt said.
KCSO released the following crime statistics related to the problem:
Guns stolen over past week: 4
Guns stolen in 2023 so far: 40 (up from 32 this time last year)
Guns stolen in 2022: 100
Cars stolen in 2023 so far: 202 (down from 203 this time last year)
Cars stolen in 2022: 358
Possessions stolen from cars over past week: 27
Possessions stolen in 2023 so far: 314
Possessions stolen in 2022: 474
Community members are urged to refrain from leaving guns or keys inside cars, even if cars are parked indoors.
“No matter where you live in the county, bring your keys in with you,” DeWitt said.
