10/05/2011 Reduce Your Risk of Vehicle Burglary
October 05, 2011
It only takes a thief seconds to break into your vehicle.
The City of Morganton has seen an increase in thefts from vehicles over the last few months. These vehicle burglaries are very difficult cases to solve as there is usually very little physical evidence left behind after one has occurred. The crimes usually occur in the early morning hours when it is less likely the thieves will be seen. These crimes are spread out all over the community and all days of the week.
Vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity and carelessness often results in vehicles being broken into. Most of these crimes occur because people leave car doors unlocked and valuables in plain sight. However, residents can minimize their chance or being a victim by taking a few simple steps:
•ALWAYS close your windows and lock your car doors. An open window or unlocked door is an invitation to a criminal.
•Do not leave valuables or packages in plain sight in your vehicle. If you must leave valuables in the car, put them in the trunk.
•Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night. If possible, park your car in the garage. If a garage is not available, the next best option is to park your car in the driveway and install motion-security lighting on your home.
•If your vehicle has a built in security system, use it.
•Report suspicious activity immediately. This includes suspicious persons and vehicles in the area. Try to have a good physical description and car description/registration number to report to police when you call. Call 437-1211 or if an in progress crime, call 9-1-1.
•Keep a list of serial numbers for the commonly used electronic equipment you may keep in your car, like CD players, stereo faceplates, MP3 players, etc. This information will aid the police in trying to locate the items if the offender(s) are found with them or if they are pawned. This will also ensure the property is returned to the rightful owner.
•If your car is burglarized, please report it to the police department immediately.
These simple steps should be used whenever you park your car, whether you are just “running in for a minute” or parking for the evening. The Morganton Department of Public Safety hopes these tips will raise awareness and help keep you from being a victim.
Vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity and carelessness often results in vehicles being broken into. Most of these crimes occur because people leave car doors unlocked and valuables in plain sight. However, residents can minimize their chance or being a victim by taking a few simple steps:
•ALWAYS close your windows and lock your car doors. An open window or unlocked door is an invitation to a criminal.
•Do not leave valuables or packages in plain sight in your vehicle. If you must leave valuables in the car, put them in the trunk.
•Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night. If possible, park your car in the garage. If a garage is not available, the next best option is to park your car in the driveway and install motion-security lighting on your home.
•If your vehicle has a built in security system, use it.
•Report suspicious activity immediately. This includes suspicious persons and vehicles in the area. Try to have a good physical description and car description/registration number to report to police when you call. Call 437-1211 or if an in progress crime, call 9-1-1.
•Keep a list of serial numbers for the commonly used electronic equipment you may keep in your car, like CD players, stereo faceplates, MP3 players, etc. This information will aid the police in trying to locate the items if the offender(s) are found with them or if they are pawned. This will also ensure the property is returned to the rightful owner.
•If your car is burglarized, please report it to the police department immediately.
These simple steps should be used whenever you park your car, whether you are just “running in for a minute” or parking for the evening. The Morganton Department of Public Safety hopes these tips will raise awareness and help keep you from being a victim.
City of Morganton • 305 E. Union St. Suite A100, Morganton, NC 28655 • (828) 437-8863