NOPD: Auto Burglary & Theft Safety Tips

Thefts from vehicles occur at all hours of the day and night.  Most auto-burglaries generally have one thing in common, something valuable left in the car. Many auto-burglaries are “crimes of opportunity”; they could have been avoided had simple preventative steps been taken.

In the Second District in 2012, approximately two thirds of all reported automobile burglaries are unlocked.  

Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Tips

• Make sure your car is locked at all times, a majority of vehicles burglarized have been reported to be unlocked at the time of report.
• Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.
• Always remove your keys while refueling.
• Keep all personal items, such as checkbook, personal identification, credit cards, purses, wallet and CD’s out of view, firearms should be taken out of vehicle everytime you exit.
• Always activate any anti-theft you have on your vehicle.
• Don’t hide spare keys or valet key in your car. Do not leave any other vehicle or house keys in your car
• Many people leave the GPS units on their dashboards, which makes it very easy for thieves to see and steal. If you own a GPS unit, never leave it visible when leaving your car unattended. If your GPS unit attaches with a suction cup, hide it and the GPS unit when you exit the vehicle.
• Never leave high tech devices such as cellular phones, portables TV’s, or laptop computers
• Do not place your vehicle title in your glove compartment.