An increase in vehicle thefts has occurred within the South area. A total of eight vehicles have been stolen in the past three months. Four Nissans, two Honda Accords, and one Toyota Camry have been stolen thus far. The last three thefts have been Nissan Pathfinders. Most of the vehicle thefts occurred between Friday and Sunday overnight. Please inform your family, friends, and neighbors to take measures to prevent their vehicles from being stolen!
MAKE YOUR CAR INCONVEINIENT TO THIEVES!
An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which antitheft device you use. You should always secure your vehicle, even if parking for brief periods by:
• Parking your car in a locked garage, if possible.
• If you don’t have a garage or driveway, park your car on a well lit street in a well traveled area, if possible.
• Close your car windows and sunroof when parking your car.
• Never leave your car unattended with the motor running, even for a second.
WARNING DEVICES - The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular devices include:
• Steering wheel locks such as “ the club” or column locks
• Purchase an alarm for your vehicle
• Brake locks
• Laminated glass
• Theft deterrent decals
IMMOBILIZING DEVICE - The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hotwiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular devices include:
• Smart keys
• High security locks & keys
• Fuse cut-offs
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
TRACKING DEVICE - The final layer of protections is a tracking device which emits a signal to a police or monitoring station when the vehicle is reported stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping law enforcement authorities recover stolen vehicles.
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE ANTITHEFT DEVICES -
Passive and active antitheft devices are the two options available when considering an anti-theft
system. Passive devices automatically arm themselves when the vehicle is turned off, the ignition key
removed, or a door is shut. No additional action is required. Active devise require some independent
physical action before they are set, such as pushing a button, or placing a "lock" over a vehicle component part. This physical action must be repeated every time the anti-theft device is set or it will not function.
THEFTS FROM VEHICLES
Vehicles are being broken into on a daily basis because people are leaving items such as cell phones, wallets, IPOD’s, GPS’s, gym bags, brief cases and even spare change in plain view. Electronic charges are also dead giveaways that you likely have a GPS or other expensive electronic in your vehicle. Remove all items from plain view.
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS have also become a popular item over the year. The criminal will usually target Toyota SUV’s and/or pickups because they are higher off the ground. Toyotas particularly have been targeted because their catalytic converters are bolted on. If you have a Toyota, one way to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime is to take it to an auto shop and have the catalytic converter welded on. If you have a garage, then park your vehicle inside your garage.
STEREOS have always been popular to steal. Stereos with removable face plates can be purchased, but in order for this method to be effective, the owner needs to remove the faceplate from the vehicle each time the vehicle is unoccupied.
Awareness of your surroundings is important in combating crime. If you do see someone or something suspicious, please call the following numbers:
Dispatch number: 714-573-3225
To report a crime in progress: 9-1-1
If you have already become a victim of a crime, please report it at 714-573-3225.
