Officers have been taking multiple reports of thefts from vehicles in the last week or so. The thefts had occurred throughout the city. The majority of thefts could have been prevented by locking the vehicle. Officers remind citizens to contact law enforcement when they hear or see anything suspicious going on in their neighborhoods. Officers also remind citizens to follow these tips when leaving items in vehicles:
- Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight
The best way to prevent theft from your auto is to always keep valuables out of sight. Never leave cell phones, briefcases, suitcases, or electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, etc.) in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them—all the time, every time.
- Secure Your GPS Device While many GPS devices are mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle, the SBPD encourages anyone who uses a portable GPS device to take it with you, along with any other items of value, when you park the car.
- Use Your Trunk If your car has a trunk, use it. Put valuables in there or in a locked glove compartment. Hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view, but securing them inside the glove compartment or trunk is a far better deterrent.
- Don't Tempt Thieves with New Purchases During the holiday season especially, or any time you’re shopping, place packages in the trunk, not on the passenger seats or floors.
- Remove Your Radio Faceplate
If you can unfasten your sound system and take it with you, or lock it in your trunk, do so. And don’t forget to do the same with your CDs and tapes.
- Lock It Up
Also, keep your car doors and windows locked—all the time!
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