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<br />12
<br />
<br />PREVENTING THEFT
<br />FROM AUTOMOBILES
<br />
<br />Theft from vehicles has increased dramatically over
<br />the past several years. Many of these thefts occur when
<br />cars are parl(ed in driveways. The popularity of radar
<br />detectors, expensive stereo equipment, and cellular phones
<br />appear to encourage car prowlers. Any vehicle with a visible
<br />cellular phone, radar detector, visible power cord, or mount
<br />can be attractive to a thief. Vehicle containing a briefcase,
<br />purse, gym bags or other valuables left in sight and vehicle
<br />left running and unattended at any public place are
<br />welcoming to criminals.
<br />
<br />Property Often Stolen From Vehicles
<br />Stereo equipment, cellular phones, gym bags, brief
<br />cases, purses/wallets, sunglasses, checkbooks, auto parts,
<br />cameras, radar detectors, cassette tapes & compact discs,
<br />car batteries (especially in colder months), hand tools, tool
<br />boxes, power tools, spare change
<br />
<br />What Thieves Do With Stolen Property
<br />Many things can be sold to other thieves or to
<br />someone who is looking for a deal. Other times they can be
<br />sold for cash at pawn shops. Some thieves lool( for purses
<br />to steal, and then they immediately mal(e large purchases
<br />on the credit cards and alter the victim's ID so they, or an
<br />accomplice, can forge the checks.
<br />This can cause an incredible amount of worry, hassle,
<br />and inconvenience for a victim. The thief doesn't care about
<br />you, your feelings, or the hardship the theft will put you
<br />through. His or her point of view is, "Why should I pay for
<br />something when I can steal it?"
<br />
<br />Preventing Vehicle Theft
<br />Locl( your vehicle and put valuables out of sight,
<br />preferably in the trunl( or bring them into the house at night.
<br />Thieves will breal( into any vehicle if they think there is
<br />something of value to be stolen from it. Thieves lmow that
<br />briefcases may contain checkbool(s, wallets, watches,
<br />calculators, and other small electronics. Similarly, they are
<br />aware that many gym bags contain jewelry, l(eys, cash, and
<br />personal stereos, etc.
<br />After removing valuables from view, locl( your car
<br />doors. This will discourage some of the more casual thieves,
<br />the ones looking for the opportunity to steal. It will also deter
<br />those who would go into an unlocked car to look for a trunk
<br />or hood release button in order to steal auto parts or the
<br />contents of the trunk.
<br />Report suspicious activity while it is happening. This
<br />could save you or your neighbor from being victimized. Call
<br />9-1-1 and stay on the line if you see or hear something that
<br />seems unusual or suspicious. Try to get a description of the
<br />suspects and their vehicle, and do not confront suspects.
<br />
<br />Don't think you are bothering the police by calling
<br />them to report suspicious activity. It's their job to detect and
<br />apprehend criminals, and they need your help because they
<br />can't be in everyone's neighborhood 24 hours a day. If your
<br />suspicions prove to be unfounded, you shouldn't feel
<br />embarrassed. The police prefer that you call them so they
<br />can investigate that suspicious activity. It is more desirable
<br />to be mistaken than to be a victim!
<br />
<br />Additional Security Measures
<br />Outdoor security, such as lighting left on from dusk
<br />to dawn, is inexpensive and helps to deter crimes such as
<br />theft, vandalism, and burglary. In addition, many citizens are
<br />now equipping their cars with alarm systems. In some cases,
<br />the value of the vehicle and/or its contents are worth the
<br />cost of installation.
<br />You can increase the chances of your property being
<br />recovered if it is stolen by recording the serial number and
<br />marl(ing items with an Operation Identification number
<br />available at no charge from the police department.
<br />
<br />Tips on Preventing Auto Theft and Theft from Auto
<br />1. Locl( your car doors and close your windows.
<br />2. Don't leave valuables in your car. If you do, make
<br />sure they are kept out of plain sight-Iocl( them in
<br />your trunl(.
<br />3. When transporting valuables, place them in the trunl(
<br />before you get to the location where you intend to
<br />park. Don't transfer them at the parking place in
<br />open view of other people.
<br />4. If you have a garage, use it. Make good use of
<br />outdoor motion lights.
<br />5. Don't leave your garage door opener on the
<br />dashboard or front seat. Put it in your glove box,
<br />hide it, or tal(e it with you.
<br />6. Always parl( in a well-lighted area.
<br />7. Use slide or portable mounts on add-on radios,
<br />citizens' band radios (CBs), tape decks, and
<br />telephones. When you leave your car, put them in
<br />the trunk or tal(e them with you.
<br />8. Marl( radios, CBs, tape decks, telephones, batteries,
<br />wheel covers, and tires with an Operation
<br />Identification number. If the stolen item is found later,
<br />the number can be traced bacl( to you. To enroll in
<br />Operation ID, contact your local police.
<br />9. Remember: briefcases, sunglasses, clothing, keys,
<br />gym bags, and small change are all tempting to a
<br />thi ef.
<br />10. Leave only the ignition l(ey with the parking attendant
<br />in a commercial parking lot.
<br />11. Keep your driver's license and vehicle registration
<br />with you. Left with the car, the documents can be
<br />
<br />Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most. - Anonymous
<br />
<br />Continued on Page 13
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