Overland Park car theft caught on camera

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Criminals are caught on camera stealing a vehicle in a quiet Overland Park neighborhood.

Police are investigating burglaries of two other vehicles in the same area.

A thief sneaked into an Overland Park woman’s garage and stole her Jeep. Police said he was not the only domestic criminal affected.

“She just ran and got in the car and they drove off screaming,” Molly Thomas said.

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She feels violated after thieves stole her silver 2012 Jeep Wrangler from her garage near Lowell and 114th Terrace.

Thomas said that shortly before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, the thief first tried to break into his neighbor’s car. That’s when someone fled in their vehicle.

“The person ran across the driveway towards our garage and ran into our garage,” Thomas said. “Then I got out my car and left. So yes, it’s just a shame.

Thomas admits she forgot to close her garage door.

“The garage was open,” Thomas said. “Unfortunately. I check every night, and it’s just one of those nights I didn’t check. So, remind everyone to triple check.

A neighbor shared a video of the criminals fleeing in her car.

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Overland Park police said the suspects also burglarized two vehicles in the driveway about a half-mile away, near 116th and Hardy. Police said thieves also entered the home owner’s garage.

As for Thomas’ Jeep, Officer John Lacy said police traced it to a gas station near I-435 and Stateline.

Thomas said she left her wallet in the Jeep. Police said it didn’t take long before the thieves tried to use Thomas’ credit card.

“I got a lot of fraud alerts on my phone,” Thomas said. “I called the credit card company and locked all the cards.”

Lacy said a surrounding law enforcement agency tried to stop the thieves, but they took off and ran away.

Thomas just wants his Jeep and his sense of security back.

“I feel really, really uncomfortable. we’re in the process of changing our locks, everything has changed and it makes me uncomfortable because we know she was armed, and it really makes me want to beef up our security system,” Thomas said. “My dog didn’t move, he just snored through it all, bless his heart, but we still love him for that, but he could have been a little louder too.”

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Lacy said the cameras captured a good example of why locking your car doors at night pays off. The thief shot at the locked door, then left.

“We urge the public to lock your doors and not leave valuable items in plain sight,” Lacy said. “At the same time, if you see something, say something.”

If you have any information about the theft, call Overland Park police at (913) 895-6300.

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