Police investigating series of thefts from vehicles

Sykesville Police Department is investigating a rash of thefts from vehicles in the areas of Hawkridge Lane, Caracara Court, Kalorama Road and Norris Avenue.

Someone apparently enters unlocked vehicles between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. and takes items such as compact discs, cell phones and laptop computers, Police Chief John R. Williams said.

Williams is urging residents to lock their vehicles, keep valuables out of sight and park vehicles in well-lighted areas or install a motion detection light in their driveway.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity or has information about the thefts is asked to call Sykesville police at 410-795-0757.

Police arrest five motorists at sobriety checkpoint

A sobriety checkpoint conducted Saturday night on Route 140 outside Westminster resulted in five arrests, police said.

Maryland State Police troopers, Carroll County sheriff's deputies and Westminster police officers stopped about 1,500 motorists between 10 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 a.m. Sunday west of Market Street, according to state police at the Westminster barracks.

Ten drivers were administered a field sobriety test. Four drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and one for under the influence of marijuana. During routine patrols Sunday, six more people were arrested for DUI, police said.