Oakwood Police are reporting an increase in entering vehicles and theft of vehicles since the first of the year and are urging citizens and visitors alike to do what they can to help curtail this activity.
Q&A with Det. Lt. Stewart Webb about the problem:
Do you have a number of such incidents recently?
- Theft FROM Motor Vehicles: 3 (Since Jan. 1)
- Theft OF Motor Vehicles: 3(Since Jan. 1)
*When did they start?
- From vehicles started on 01/18/2026
- Of vehicles on 01/02/2026
*Were most of the vehicles locked or unlocked?
Mostly unlocked
*Are the incidents mostly occurring at residences or elsewhere?
The stolen vehicles are mostly occurring at apartment complexes off of Atlanta Highway and have involved Hyundai Elantras. The Doraville Police Department has recovered one of the stolen Hyundais that had been involved in a crash in their city and abandoned. No suspects were located with the vehicle. But the thefts from vehicles are mostly happening in neighborhoods.
*What’s been taken?
These suspects will usually grab whatever valuables are left in the vehicles. Usually guns, cash, wallets, purses, credit cards, etc. If they find credit cards, they will immediately go to the nearest grocery store/clothing store and make large purchases before the victims realize their property has been stolen.
*Does this appear to be the work of one person or a group of people?
When a sudden increase in theft from vehicles starts happening, it’s usually the same crew. Typically, juveniles. They will walk through neighborhoods overnight checking for unlocked vehicles. The two stolen Hyundais in apartment complexes on Atlanta Highway may be related based on the vehicle choices.
*Any arrests/leads?
No arrests at this time. We do have some leads that we are following up on at this time.
Lt. Webb added “Remind everyone to remove valuables from vehicles, secure your vehicles, add motion lights/security cameras to the areas where you park your vehicles. Also, we need to take these same safety measures at work, the store, gym, etc. Criminals are always looking for an easy target like leaving your valuables in plain view in your vehicles.”