There have been several theft from autos reported since Sunday, April 20th. Leaving unsecured items in your vehicle is categorized as a “crime of opportunity.” Unless the opportunity presents itself, a theft from vehicle cannot occur. This opportunity arises when you leave your vehicles unsecured and items of value are left in the vehicle, i.e., GPS, laptops, cell phones, iPods, wallets, purses, change, CD’s, DVD’s, stereos, speakers, etc. If your car is unlocked, the perpetrator just opens the door and takes whatever there is in the vehicle. Easy.
Please take the following steps to ensure you don’t become a victim of a “crime of opportunity:”
Always lock your vehicle when it is parked. By locking your vehicle, you draw too much attention for a perpetrator to try and get in by other means.
Take anything of value out of your vehicle. If it’s not there, the temptation is not there. Also, if your wallet or purse is stolen, you open yourself up to other crimes, i.e., identity theft, stolen checks and/or credit cards.
The “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. If it’s not possible for you to take your property out of the vehicle, then slide it under the seat.
If you have a garage, use it. Always keep the door from your garage to your house locked. If someone were to steal your garage door opener, then it leaves them access to your home.
If you are a victim, make the report. This will help our Crime Analyst analyze crime trends and patterns. Even if you don’t want an investigation done, you should still report it to the police.
Lock up your vehicle! Take your belongings out of the vehicle. When that is not possible, remember, out of sight, out of mind!
Please be safe!
Posted by Kyleen at May 8, 2008 04:32 PM