Montgomery County Police logged four incidents in the Bethesda area over the Aug. 7–9 weekend, including two attempted residential burglaries, a vehicle theft and an aggravated assault.

The incidents were reported in the department's weekend crime summary for the 2nd District, which covers Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington and parts of North Bethesda.

What happened

Inman Park Circle burglary attempt: Someone tried to break into a home in the 5800 block of Inman Park Circle between Friday afternoon, Aug. 7, and Saturday morning, Aug. 8. No arrest was reported.

Citadel Avenue vehicle theft: A vehicle was stolen Saturday, Aug. 8, near the intersection of Citadel Avenue and McGrath Boulevard. No arrest was reported.

Pelham Road burglary attempt: Police responded to an attempted residential burglary in the 8500 block of Pelham Road on Saturday, Aug. 8. A suspect was arrested.

Fox Gate Court assault: An aggravated assault was reported Saturday, Aug. 8, in the 7800 block of Fox Gate Court. According to police, the incident involved an argument between known adults in which victims were kicked and grabbed.

Auto theft trend continues

The Citadel Avenue theft comes as Montgomery County faces a 20% increase in auto thefts in 2026 compared to last year, according to MCPD spokesperson Capt. Cody Fields. As of early August, the department had arrested more than 90 juveniles and more than 40 adults in connection with vehicle thefts countywide.

Stolen cars are frequently linked to secondary crimes. Fields told Bethesda Magazine on Aug. 3 that vehicles taken in thefts have been used to commit burglaries and robberies across the county. "We're finding that stolen cars are a possible nexus to this," he said.

Key fob cloning devices, which can scan and duplicate a nearby car's fob signal, are believed to be driving the surge, according to Fields.

How to protect yourself

Capt. Amy Daum's 2nd District station at 4823 Rugby Ave. offers free steering wheel locks to residents. The station's main number is 240-773-6700.

To report a non-emergency crime, call 301-279-8000. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.

Police noted the weekend summary does not reflect all calls for service during the reporting period.