THEFT SPREE CLOSES OUT BETHESDA NEIGHBORHOOD'S "SUMMER OF SNATCH"

Seven thefts in 72 hours was not how some residents of west Bethesda wanted to end their summer.   And once again, the beleaguered Green Acres neighborhood had the majority of the thievery.

It's been a long summer of discontent for Green Acres, which started the season with a burglary spree in May, rode out a midsummer theft wave, and now tops it off with 5 additional thefts, just as autumn leaves begin to fall.

What is it about Green Acres that attracted criminals like magnets this summer, in a year in which the 20816 zip code overall experienced unusual crime activity?  Certainly, unlocked vehicles may have played a role in some thefts from autos.  But one teenage burglar who went wild there in May was breaking into the basement windows of homes, according to police following his arrest.

There have been sporadic thefts in west Bethesda over the last few weeks.  Two thefts in Green Acres on Tuesday initially appeared to be part of that typical activity.

But Thursday's 5 additional thefts strongly suggest one or more thieves are actively working that area now.

So make sure to secure your vehicles and home, and don't leave any money, GPS systems or other valuables in your car.

Here is the complete list of thefts:

Tuesday, August 28

Theft.  5300 block of Western Avenue.

Theft.  4900 block of Crescent Street.

Thursday, August 30

Theft from vehicle.  4600 block of Bayard Boulevard.

5300 block of Baltimore Avenue.

4800 block of Jamestown Road.

5100 block of Wissioming Road.

7800 block of Maryknoll Avenue.