Stolen Vehicle Increase in the City of Lakeport
Since the start of this Fiscal Year (July 1, 2020), we are seeing a significant increase in vehicle thefts in the City of Lakeport over what we experienced in the last couple of years. As of last Friday after we had 4 vehicles stolen in one night, we hit a total of 16 vehicles stolen since July 1.
Over the past two and one half years, our vehicle theft numbers are as follows:
July 1 2018-June 30-2019; Stolen 17/ recovered 10 (12 months)
July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020; Stolen 27/ recovered 17 (12 months)
July 1, 2020-Nov 9, 2020; Stolen 16/ recovered 15 (4 months)
We want to remind our residents to take precautions to prevent their vehicles from being stolen. In some cases vehicles have been left unlocked with the keys inside.
Here are some ways to prevent thefts:
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Always remove or place your valuables out of sight.
The included graphic provides additional tips. Additionally we ask that the public report all suspicious activity and persons to us. We hear of examples where persons saw suspicious activity in a neighborhood including subjects checking door handles for unlocked vehicles but it was not reported at the times of occurrence. Getting reports of suspicious activity as it is happening gives us a better opportunity to prevent crime and apprehend offenders.
