CRIME STOPPERS: LPD Investigating Trespassing, Auto Theft Cases

LINCOLN–(KFOR Sept. 18)–Crime Stoppers this week takes a look at a trespassing case and an auto theft in the past two weeks.

The auto theft happened almost two weeks ago, on September 6, where several students in a dorm on UNL’s East Campus reported two men were knocking on their doors, pretending to be residential assistants.  LPD forensics technician Becky Keller says the two men claimed they needed to do a dorm room check.  Fortunately, Keller said a real residential assistant was close by and heard what was going on, confronted the men and asked them to leave the building. Keller says the suspects left in a white Chevy pickup with a sticker in the middle back window.

In the auto theft case from September 12, Keller said someone living in the area of 84th and Holdrege reported on September 12th her vehicle had been stolen from its parking space. Officers found debris to the 2016 Hyundai Elantra in the empty parking spot, believed to be from breaking the door lock to get into the vehicle.

The person of interest arrived in a dark colored Jeep Grand Cherokee with a couple passengers.  Keller says the vehicle was likely stolen as part of what social media is calling the Kia Boyz trend where certain Hyundai and Kia models area able to be started without the key.

Keller adds if you have a 2011-2022 Hyundai or Kia and you’re concerned about your vehicle being stolen, we’d encourage you to contact Hyundai or Kia to see if you are eligible for a free steering wheel lock or a software update that could help keep your vehicle safe.

If you have information on any of these cases, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600 or visit lincolncrimestoppers.com.