A reminder from Lincoln Police – never leave a vehicle unlocked with the keys inside. Two people did that on Wednesday and ended up falling victim to auto theft.
Police were first called to the U-Stop at 1st and O around 9 a.m. The victim told police he left the vehicle unlocked with the keys inside. The vehicle was located at West O Street and NW 14th Street. Using video surveillance from nearby businesses, officers identified a suspect as 57 year old Michael Oliverius. Based on videos and statements made by Oliverius, officers booked him for theft by unlawful taking.
At 4:15 p.m., officers were called to 16th and C and met a man who said his vehicle had been taken. At 9:25 p.m., officers were called to a disturbance at 12th and E. They found several people standing around the stolen vehicle, including 18 year old Mary Nyembo. She had the vehicle key and said she had taken the vehicle after finding it unlocked with the key inside. She took it because she was tired of walking. Nyembo was booked for theft by unlawful taking.
Lincoln Police remind drivers as weather turns colder, never leave a vehicle unlocked with the key inside running to warm up. Police say they receive dozens of stolen vehicle reports each year from people doing just that. They report there is no area in the city immune to this crime so residents need to take the proper precautions to protect their property.
