Vehicle thefts rise in Grand Island and Hastings

HASTINGS, GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Central Nebraska law enforcement is urging people to lock their cars and to not leave keys inside vehicles as their has been an increase in thefts in Grand Island and Hastings.

Hastings Police say at least four vehicles were taken over a few days.

Starting from Saturday to Sunday, police say a 1994 white Oldsmobile was stolen from the 1100 block of Jefferson Ave. Not too far away, two more vehicles were stolen. One was a 2000 brown Chevy Malibu taken from the 1200 block of Crestmoor Dr. but was found three blocks away. A white 2004 GMC Yukon was also taken from the 1700 block of Crestmoor Dr.

Then early Tuesday morning, HPD received a report of a red 2015 Ford F150 stolen from the driveway of a home in the 2700 block of Merle Ave, near Lake Hastings.

Police say they’ve received reports of people driving through area, getting out and rummaging through vehicles and stealing them if the keys are left inside.

According to Sgt. Mark Hinrichs with Hastings Police, there was a similar trend with this last year as juveniles were involved and things eventually calmed down. No arrests have been made so far, but he said the suspects look like they are in their late teens or in their early 20′s.

Hastings isn’t the only Tri-City seeing an increase in vehicle thefts as Grand Island Police are also receiving reports of cars stolen.

The newest one coming into police on Monday after a man reported that his 2009 Dodge ram was taken from his driveway over on Anne Marie Ave.

Similar to the incidents Hastings, this one also had the keys left in the vehicle. Among the items that were in the truck that were taken were golf clubs, a rifle, hunting bag and gear.

There were two more cases reported in that same area last week, where a total of four vehicles were taken with all but one being recovered.

Those happened on the 4000 block of Anne Marie Ave. and the 4000 block of Northview Dr.

Grand Island Police said a couple in their 30s said their white 2019 Sedona and black 2020 Ford F250 were taken as one was stolen from the garage while the other was from the driveway on Anne Marie Ave. Both vehicles have been recovered.

While another couple on Northview Drive reported two vehicles were also stolen with their black 2012 F150 still missing.

According to the victim, who’s a handicap veteran, his scooter was in the truck that was stolen. It was found over Five Points but damaged on another street.

He hopes to get the word out for his truck as being down to one vehicle is tough. He shared the license plate 8-1657A and asks if anyone sees it to contact police.

Law enforcement continue to emphasize to lock your car and to not leave your keys.

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