Michigan Police Warn of Teen Car Break-Ins and Stolen Firearm

A Mid-Michigan Police Department is urging residents to lock their car doors and remove valuables after a recent spike in vehicle break-ins throughout the area. The public warning, posted on the department’s official Facebook page, follows a surge of complaints and reports of stolen property from unlocked vehicles.

Mt. Morris Police say some residents were able to provide surveillance video, though the suspects—believed to be teens—had their faces covered and remain unidentified.

READ MORE: Can Michigan Police Arrest or Detail Minors Without Calling Parents?

Alarmingly, one report included the theft of a firearm from an unattended vehicle.

Residents Urged to Report, Not Just Post

Authorities believe many break-ins go unreported, limiting their ability to investigate or take action. In their statement, police emphasized the importance of contacting law enforcement directly rather than just posting about incidents on social media.

“There have been more times than not that the police department has not been notified of people attempting to break into cars, suspicious persons, or vehicles that have been broken into but will post things on Facebook,” the statement reads. “If the police department does not have a complaint or has not been notified, there isn’t too much we can do. So please contact 911 when something like this happens."

Mt. Morris Curfew Rules Explained

Police are also increasing enforcement of the city's curfew ordinance. Teens aged 13–17 are not permitted out between midnight and 6 a.m. without a parent or guardian. For children 12 and under, the restricted hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Violators could face up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine.