St. Joseph woman shares frustration after thieves target her vehicles

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A St. Joseph woman said she's fed up with thieves targeting her vehicles.  

Kim Spencer experienced the latest incident a few weeks ago when her husband’s Bible case was stolen right out of his truck, along with a few other sentimental items. 

Spencer said the items aren't worth much, but are very important to her family. She's calling for the items to be returned.

She also says this has been a hard lesson for her family and she wants others to take precautions.  

“We have one of those days where we forget to lock the truck or the jeep and then we go running outside because we forgot to clock the lock button again and realize our vehicle has been rifled through,” Spencer said.  

She says this is the fifth time in the past decade that something’s been stolen from their vehicles — but this time hits differently.  

“The bible and my kid’s backpack both were Potawatomi tribe. My father-in-law had the front of the bible case engraved with his favorite scripture on it during christmas a few years back,” Spencer said.  

Local law enforcement is also reminding people to take simple steps to protect themselves — like parking in well-lit areas, locking vehicles, and keeping valuables out of sight.  

“I think it is cyclic throughout the year and it just depends on when different groups are working but unfortunately they victimize hardworking citizens to take their property,” Bill Puett Sheriff said.  

Spencer urges neighbors to think twice before leaving anything valuable in their vehicles.  

“Definitely try to keep it locked, if you have an alarm for your car that would go off that would be awesome,” Spencer said.  

She is holding out hope that someone will come forward and return the items that mean so much to her family.