Vehicle Burglary - A Crime of Opportunity
Vehicle Burglary is most often a crime of opportunity. Our own carelessness is often causing our vehicles to be broken into as well as stolen; however, you can minimize your chances of being a victim by taking away the opportunity.
Here are some tips to remember:
- LOCK your vehicle and take the keys
- PARK carefully in well lighted areas
- USE anti-theft devices
- CLEAN it out; do not leave anything in it
- REMOVE the garage door opener
- UTILIZE your garage to park in, if possible
- MARK it; use an engraver to mark property
- REPORT suspicious activity or persons to the Police Department at 362-5115,
or for crimes in progress dial 9-1-1.
Lock up:
- An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. Lock up when you leave your car, and take the keys with you.
- Lock the trunk or tailgate.
- Close all windows – professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the smallest openings.
- Be sure vent or wind-wing windows are shut tight and locked.
- Lock your car even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station, convenience store or mini-mall.
- At night, park in well-lit areas with lots of people around when out running errands.
- Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking, this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.
Items to avoid leaving in your vehicle and/or view:
- Cellular phones and chargers
- Pagers
- CD’s
- Purses / Briefcases
- Wallets
- Back packs
- Clothing
- Laptops / Cameras
- Sports equipment / Tools
- Removable stereos including the removable face plates
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