Vehicle Burglary

Vehicle Burglary is most often a crime of opportunity. Our own carelessness often causes 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 Sheriff’s Department at 874-5115,
    for crimes in progress call 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
  • CDs
  • Purses/briefcases
  • Wallets
  • Back packs
  • Clothing
  • Laptops/cameras
  • Sports equipment/tools
  • Removable stereos including the removable face plates

Operation I.D.:

  • With an electric engraver, etch your driver’s license number (preceded by the letters “CA”) on stereo equipment and other valuable items.
  • Record your vehicle identification number (located on a small metal plate on the dashboard of newer cars) and store it in a safe place.
  • Keep the vehicle registration in your wallet or purse, not in your car.
  • Use anti-theft devices
  • Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as:
  • Interior hood lock release.
  • Second ignition switch or “kill switch” to prevent electrical current from reaching the coil distributor.
  • Fuel switch to prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor.
  • Locking devices for batteries, wheels, decks, etc.
  • Alarm device to activate a siren, horn or lights – or all three – to frighten the thief away.
  • Device that attaches to the steering wheel or brake pedal.

Take a bite out of crime. Information Provided by: National Crime Prevention Council