Full Notification

As we begin our Holiday shopping and may have gifts and other large purchases in our vehicles, we need to think about theft prevention. Thefts from vehicles are routinely reported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and it remains one of the most frequently occurring crimes in the United States.

Vehicles are easy targets and often contain property attractive to thieves. Even the most amateur thief can stroll through residential neighborhoods and parking lots and find plenty of opportunity.

Help your sheriff's deputies reduce this crime in our community by taking these simple steps:

Never leave your car unlocked, or the windows open. Leaving your car unlocked is an open invitation for a thief to help himself. Even leaving your window open a small amount can be enough for a thief to unlock and open your car. Thefts can occur even in the few moments you might be inside a building and your car is not in your view.

Never use a Hide-a-Key box on your car. Thieves will look for these.

Never leave home or office keys in your car. The keys, along with any identifying paperwork left in the car could lead a thief to your home or business.

Never leave valuables in clear view. Do not leave purses, cellular phones, backpacks, laptop computers, gym bags, shopping bags, packages, etc. visible from the outside of your vehicle. A thief may not know what is in a bag, but will be willing to break a window or door lock to find out. If you must keep property in your vehicle, place it in the trunk so it is not visible to the opportunist. Place it there prior to arriving at your destination so you are not seen putting it away when you arrive.

Avoid leaving your car in an under-used or unattended lot. A frequently used lot means more witnesses, so a theft is less likely to occur. If you are parking at night, or will be returning to your car after dark, park in a well-lit area. Stay away from areas that are concealed, obscured or remote.

When at your home, park inside of a garage if possible. Lock your vehicle and close/lock your garage door. If parking in a garage is not an option, park in your driveway or on the street in front of your home. Leave outdoor lights on or use motion sensing lights.

No matter how safe the neighborhood is or how nice the shopping center appears, thefts can always occur. By following these tips we can reduce the thefts in our community and keep the Holidays a time of cheer.

Report crime and suspicious activity to your local sheriff's station or police department.