Multiple car thefts reported in Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. — Hastings Police are investigating after three vehicles were reported stolen and other vehicles were reported to have been gone through Sunday.

HPD said officers responded to the 1100 block of Jefferson Avenue, as well as the 1200 and 1500 blocks of Crestmoor Drive for a report of three motor vehicle thefts. Capt. Raelee Van Winkle said one of the vehicles was recovered but two of them – a white 2004 GMC Yukon and a white 1994 Oldsmobile 88 – have not.

Van Winkle said the GMC Yukon has license plate number 14-J 561, while the Oldsmobile 88 has license plate number 14-D L30.

Additionally, officers responded to the 1200 block of Pershing Road and the 3000 block West Seventh Street after individuals reported their unlocked cars were gone through.

All five of the incidents are believed to be related, Van Winkle said.

While no suspects have been identified at this time, Van Winkle said video surveillance indicates at least four individuals were involved.

“We believe they were stealing the vehicles and then using the stolen vehicles to drive around mostly the west side of town to then steal from unlocked vehicles,” she said.

Van Winkle encouraged anyone with information on the location of the stolen vehicles, the thefts and/or surveillance footage of the thefts to contact HPD at (402) 461-2380. She also encouraged people to remove valuables from their vehicles, remove keys from them and lock them when not in use.

Updates will be posted as they become available.