Eight thefts from unlocked vehicles and two auto thefts were reported on South Hill between June 10 and July 17, 2024. The thefts have been discussed by victims on social media, and are said to be an ongoing issue in the area.
The Sheriff’s Office handled six thefts from motor vehicles and one stolen motor vehicle in the South Hill area (Coddington Road, East King Road, Whitetail Drive) and The New York State Police have handled two thefts from motor vehicles and one stolen vehicle in the same time frame.
All thefts from motor vehicles and thefts of motor vehicles have been from unlocked vehicles. Property taken from vehicles primarily consisted of loose change and paper currency.
One victim described discovering their vehicle had been ransacked. “I came out to go to work, my driver side door and my rear driver doors to my truck were not shut all the way. Like they had been opened and lightly shut. When I opened them my truck was a mess! They went through everything and fast. Things were thrown around and the glove box and middle console were open,” the victim wrote. “They took nothing though. They even left my golf clubs. Looks like they are only looking for money and credit cards.”
The stolen vehicle recovered by Sherriff deputies was processed by the Investigations Division for evidence, which is awaiting lab results. There are no known suspects at this time.
It is recommended to lock all parked vehicles and remove any valuables, especially cash and car keys.
Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to contact the Tompkins County Sherriff’s Department at 607-257-1345.