Rash of car thefts in South Lake Tahoe

Auto thieves in South Lake Tahoe are targeting vans.

In three days five vehicles have been stolen or thieves tried to steal them.

No arrests have been made.

Thefts include:

• July 4: 1992 Dodge van stolen from 2111 South Ave. This van was located and recovered locally.

• July 7: 1993 dark Green Ford Aerostar Van was stolen from 861 Emerald Bay Road. This van has not been located. It has “bondo” material on the left rear quarter panel and has separating paint. It has a California license plate No. 4BLP370.

• July 7: 2013 a black 2000 Ford E350 was broken into at 924 Emerald Bay Road. The ignition was damaged.

• July 9: 2006 Ford E350 1-ton diesel extended length van was stolen from 976 Emerald Bay Road. This vehicle has not been located. It is all white. It has a California license plate No. 8G35339 and displays the number16 in 4-inch block letters near both front doors and on rear of the van.

• July 9: An attempt was made to steal a 1989 Ford Bronco from 976 Emerald Bay Road. The ignition was damaged.

It another case, which may be related, the Placerville Police Department investigated the theft of a van from the Marshall Hospital parking lot in Placerville on July 8. This vehicle was recovered.

Officers suggest the following tips to protect you from having your vehicle stolen.

• Do not leave keys in vehicle. Thieves are very skilled at locating hidden keys.

• Lock your vehicle. No community is exempt from this type of crime, and this simple step will ward away the less determined criminal.

• Diminish attention. Don’t leave valuables or documents in plain view.

• Security devices. Remember to activate your alarm if equipped. Steering wheel inhibitors and other theft protection systems such as LoJack can help as well.

• Report suspicious activity. Watch out for your neighborhood and business parking areas.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report