PREVENT THEFTS FROM AUTOS

DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT THEFTS FROM AUTOS
The good news, according to a recent story that aired on National Public Radio, is that if your vehicle is broken into, it’s doubtful the thieves will take the stereo. According to the FBI’s latest crime report, car stereo thefts have fallen by more than half over the past 15 years, from more than a million in 1994 to just over 400,000, even as national car theft rates have remained high. Experts speculate
that car stereo theft has declined in popularity among thieves because most cars now roll off the production line with better factory stereos already installed. Since ALL cars now have better stereos, there’s no real market for the stolen property. The bad news is that thieves are still targeting property left in unattended cars.

Although up nationally, thefts from auto are down 19% in DC, compared to same time last year. And, while thefts from auto have decreased in DC, valuable property is still being taken from cars. Drivers now often leave other electronic devices in their vehicles. These devices are generally small (and, therefore, easily concealed), and more valuable than the bigger bulkier car stereos. Examples of
property commonly stolen from vehicles include GPS devices, cell phones, and laptop computers. You can make a difference and help reduce the risk of thieves breaking into your car by removing ALL valuables from your car before your exit it. 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. Erase the little circle that the GPS device creates. Any time you’re
shopping, place packages in the trunk, not on the passenger seats or floors. Also, keep your car doors and windows locked—all the time! And, finally, remember the old cliché: “out of sight, out of mind”—if thieves can’t see your valuables, they’re less likely to waste their time targeting your auto.

Take the time to secure your valuables Before you arrive at a friends house, Mall or bar; it really does make a difference.