CHARLOTTE, NC — Police arrest a man they say stole a vehicle that was left running and unattended in front of a convenience store Wednesday morning in east Charlotte.
Police say a suspicious vehicle believed to be driving around casing possible break-in targets was reported around 8:15am Wednesday in the area of Bradstreet Commons Way and Rothman Lane. While checking out the area a man flagged officers down and reported his vehicle stolen off of Robinson Church Road.
The victim said he had left his Jeep Grand Cherokee running while he went into a convenience store, and it was gone when he returned. He also told them there was a gun inside the vehicle.
Officers located the Jeep on E. WT Harris Boulevard a short time later and pulled the vehicle over.
Andre Maynor was arrested and charged with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Larceny of a Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, No Operators License, and Possession of Marijuana.
CMPD wants to remind people not to leave their vehicles unlocked and unattended while the vehicle is running, lock all doors and keep windows closed, and not to leave valuables in plain sight. They have also provided a list of safety tips:
Prevention Tips
-Always lock your car and close your windows
-Never leave your car unattended with the engine running
-Do not hide spare keys in or under the vehicle. They can be found.
-Secure your vehicle tag with one-way screws
-Invest in an alarm system or theft deterrent device
-Have your VIN etched on all the windows of the car
-Do not leave valuables in plain view
-Never leave registration/insurance card in the vehicle
Parking Tips
-Park in a secured well lighted area
-If parking in the street, park with wheels turned sharply toward the curb
-Avoid leaving your vehicle in public parking lots for an extended periods of time
-Always use your emergency brake and leave the transmission in park, manual
transmission should be left in gear
-If your vehicle is front-wheel drive pull forward into your driveway, if it is rear wheel
drive back into your driveway
