NOPD: Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Tips

There has been an uptick in car break-ins throughout the Second District, including vehicles that have been ransacked but nothing stolen.  Commander Paul Noel stresses the prevention tips below:

Thefts from vehicles occur at all hours of the day and night.  Most auto burglaries 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 were reportedly unlocked when the incident occurred.
• 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 CDs out of view; firearms should be taken out of the vehicle every time 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 store your vehicle’s title in the glove compartment.