Laramie Police Urge Precautions After Spike in Vehicle Thefts Across Albany County

The Laramie Police Department is warning the public to keep vehicles locked after a string of auto burglaries this week, officials said after receiving calls about 10 different vehicle burglaries in the Grandview Heights area “since Monday,” KOWB AM 1290 reported. The department circulated a mid‑February 2026 advisory to residents and posted notices online urging immediate precautions across Albany County.

Investigators noted a key pattern in the Grandview Heights cluster: “All of the burglarized vehicles were unlocked while locked vehicles were not targeted,” KOWB reported. Laramie Police Lt. Gwen Smith told KOWB that “the best way to prevent theft is to keep vehicles and buildings locked,” and she added that “it may also be best to remove cash, weapons and portable electronics from your vehicle so passersby don't find an easy target.”

Victims are asked to preserve evidence and report incidents to the LPD. “Anyone who finds that they are the victim of an auto burglary should report it to the Laramie Police Department at 307-721-2526. If possible, don't enter the vehicle until officers arrive and can process the crime scene for evidence,” KOWB quoted the department. Officer Kyle Groose, identified as an LPD crime prevention specialist, can be reached for additional theft‑prevention techniques at 307-721-3527.

Countywide law enforcement data show a separate but related trend on a broader scale. The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, in a Facebook post reported by KGAB AM 650, told KGAB it “responded to 60 auto thefts in 2020. Last year that number rose to 94, and already this year, in just under two months, deputies have investigated 28 auto thefts.” KGAB noted that “that would translate to 336 auto thefts over the course of the year if that rate were to continue for the entire 12 months.” The sheriff’s office also reminded residents not to leave keys in cars or leave vehicles running unattended, and KGAB pointed out that leaving a vehicle running unattended is illegal in Cheyenne.

Authorities are soliciting tips and offering rewards. KOWB reported that “anyone with information about the recent auto burglaries could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crimestoppers at 307-742-2273. Callers are not required to provide their names, and all information is kept strictly confidential.” Laramie Police have also used Facebook to seek public assistance in the investigation; Capcity News aggregated the department’s social posts and noted officers have warned of people “testing” car doors to see if they’re unlocked.

The public advisory was issued in mid‑February 2026, and residents in Grandview Heights and surrounding neighborhoods should take immediate precautions: lock vehicles, remove valuables, and report burglaries to LPD at 307-721-2526. For prevention advice, contact Officer Kyle Groose at 307-721-3527, and to submit anonymous tips that may carry a reward, call Crimestoppers at 307-742-2273.