Hatboro Man Jailed for Thefts from Vehicles

A 34-year-old Hatboro man has been remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after allegedly being caught in the act stealing items from at least four parked cars early Monday.

Tyler Wyngarden, of the 100 block of East Moreland Avenue, was arrested Monday shortly after midnight and charged with three counts of theft from motor vehicle, one count of loitering and prowling at night time, and two counts of criminal attempt to commit theft.

Hatboro Police Officer Mark Ruegg was said to have observed a suspicious male subject in the area of East Moreland Avenue and New Street. 

Ruegg stopped to speak with Wyngarden and found that he had a cut-off golf club hidden in his waist band. The shaft of the golf club had been cut off and wrapped with tape to make a short handle, police said. Wyngarden allegedly said he was carrying it for “protection.“ The subject was also in possession of a back pack that contained loose change, a GPS unit, and several power cords.  Wyngarden told officers he was lost, although he lived in very close proximity to where he was located.

Upon checking vehicles parked in the area, officers found at least four parked vehicles on East Montgomery Avenue, East Moreland Avenue and New Street that appeared to have been rifled through. Police said items contained in Wyngarden's backpack were stolen from these vehicles. Wyngarden ultimately admitted to entering unlocked vehicles and removing items, according to police.  

Wyngarden was arraigned by District Judge Paul N. Leo Monday and bail was set at $25,000 cash. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 3 at 10 a.m. Wyngarden was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

The Hatboro Police reminds everyone to not store valuables in their parked cars and to always keep vehicles locked.  

"Unlocked vehicles are targeted far more often than those that are locked," Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner said in a press release. "Please do not become a victim…lock your cars."