Two vehicles were stolen in Bethesda over the Oct. 2-4 weekend, according to the Montgomery County Police Department's weekend crime summary.

One theft occurred in the 7700 block of Woodmont Avenue. A second vehicle was taken from the 4200 block of Oakridge Lane. The MCPD summary, first reported by MoCoShow, did not include time windows, vehicle descriptions or recovery information for either theft.

Both incidents fall within the police department's 2nd District, which covers Bethesda, Chevy Chase and surrounding areas. The department noted the weekend summary does not reflect all calls for service during that period.

The two thefts continue a pattern in the 2nd District. MCPD daily summaries have documented vehicle thefts in the district on Sept. 10 (8800 block of Lanier Drive), Sept. 23 (3800 block of Chaplin Place) and Sept. 29 (5000 block of Cushing Drive). The vehicle stolen from Lanier Drive was later recovered, according to that summary.

The trend tracks with a broader countywide surge. As of early August, Montgomery County had seen a 20% increase in auto thefts compared to the same period in 2025, according to MCPD Capt. Cody Fields. Fields told Bethesda Magazine in August that key-fob cloning devices may be driving the increase.

"Key fobs operate on a frequency, and there are devices that can scan for frequencies to allow access to cars to either take equipment, valuables, anything that's left out, or even the car itself," Fields said at the time.

Police had arrested more than 90 juveniles and more than 40 adults in connection with auto thefts countywide as of early August. Stolen vehicles were often stripped for parts or used in other crimes such as burglaries and robberies, Fields said.

No updated countywide figures have been released.

MCPD recommends vehicle owners use steering wheel locks, GPS tracking devices and Faraday bags for key fobs. The department also advises parking in well-lit areas, keeping cars locked and never leaving a vehicle running unattended.

Residents with information on the Bethesda thefts can submit anonymous tips to Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or through the P3 Tips mobile app. Tips leading to an arrest or indictment may qualify for a reward of up to $10,000.