Rash of Vehicle Thefts, Attempts Reported in Manhattan

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Manhattan police are investigating a series of vehicle thefts and attempted thefts reported over the past weekend, many involving similar damage to steering columns. Officers filed seven separate reports between March 20th and March 22nd across the city, with total reported losses exceeding $40,000.

Why it matters

Vehicle thefts and break-ins are an ongoing concern in Manhattan, with the Riley County Police Department receiving multiple reports of such incidents over the course of the weekend. The similar methods used in these cases suggest a potential pattern that authorities will need to investigate further to identify the perpetrator(s) and prevent additional crimes.

The details

The incidents include the theft of a 2018 Kia Soul, an attempted theft of a 2018 Kia Optima where the steering column was damaged, the theft of a 2016 Hyundai Elantra where the steering column was also damaged, the theft of a 2018 Kia Soul, an attempted theft of a 2019 Kia Forte with steering column damage, the theft of a 2018 Nissan Altima, and the theft of a 2020 Kia Optima.

• On March 22nd, a report was filed at approximately 10:26 a.m.
• On March 21st, multiple reports were filed, including one at approximately 9:23 a.m. and another at approximately 5:13 p.m.
• On March 21st, a report was filed at approximately 6:38 p.m.
• On March 20th, four reports were filed, beginning at approximately 8:53 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 12:06 p.m.

What’s next

The police department is continuing to investigate the incidents and is asking the public for any information that could help identify the perpetrator(s).