Full Notification

Window Smash Auto Burglaries

Wherever you live, wherever you go, take extra precautions and avoid being an easy target.
These types of vehicle burglaries occur in seconds. The property is gone and the victim is left putting the pieces together, cancelling credit cards, worrying about bank accounts and repairing their car.

The primary targets of thieves are valuable items that can be seen in the interior of the car. Ensure valuables such as purses, wallets, iPhones, GPS systems and computers are not left in unattended vehicles.

The trunk is not a perfect choice, but will help serve as a deterrent. Don't be obvious about it though, and if thieves are watching, they will know. Take precautions to secure your items prior to arriving at your destination or by taking them with you after you park.

Make sure your vehicle is locked and parked in a well-lit area. Be cognizant of suspicious people in parking lots with no apparent purpose.

Do not be victimized. Recent incidents of theft seem to share several common factors:

• Usually these crimes occur on the street or in parking lots of during morning or early evening hours.

• Many of these window smash auto burglaries occurred when the criminal looked inside and saw valuable items. Don’t leave electronic items, purses, wallets or other items of value in plain view inside their car.

Take a few simple precautions:

• Call North Hollywood Police Station at the first sign of anyone casing vehicles, looking into vehicles or loitering between or around them.

• Call 9-1-1 if you see anyone tampering with automobiles.

• Lock your car doors. Remove garage door openers and all items of value, such as GPS devices, cell phones, computers, purses, connector cables, and I-Pods.

• At the very least, the items should be placed out of view prior to your trip or, preferably, locked in the trunk prior to arrival.

All residents are urged to follow these simple preventative measures at any hour of the day or night. Working together we can make the difference.


Emergency Calls 9-1-1, Non-Emergency Calls 818-623-4016
North Hollywood Area Auto Theft Section: 818-623-4085
During non-business hours or weekends call: 1-877-LAPD-24-7 Anonymous calls: Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or Text to 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S), all texts should begin with the letters “LAPD” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts

If you witness suspicious activity, call for immediate police assistance. Be prepared to provide the suspect(s) physical description: clothing, height, weight, as well as suspect(s) vehicle description: make/model, color, and license plate number.