Community
Smash-and-grab thieves typically aren’t criminal masterminds who craft clever schemes to steal your stuff. Most are casual opportunists. They see something they like, so they break in and take it.
While there’s no way to 100% deter these kinds of thieves, there are some common sense steps you can take to make your vehicle a much less appealing target.
The Santa Clara Police Department reminds residents to remain vigilant. Together we can make a difference!
Tips to Reduce Your Chances of Someone Stealing or Breaking into your Car
One of the most infuriating things that can happen to a car owner – a "smash and grab" break-in. This leaves owners with the painstakingly process of dealing with costly car repairs, an insurance claim, and, potentially, loss of work.
Smash-and-grab thieves typically aren’t criminal masterminds who craft clever schemes to steal your stuff. Most are casual opportunists. They see something they like, so they break in and take it.
While there’s no way to 100% deter these kinds of thieves, there are some common sense steps you can take to make your vehicle a much less appealing target.
- Do not leave anything of value in your car (e.g. phone, purse/wallet, laptop, backpack, small electronics, cash/loose change, etc.). If you absolutely must leave something inside your car, make sure it is not visible to a passerby
- Park in a garage, if possible. Otherwise, seek out a parking lot with an attendant, that is gated or well-lit area and/or a busy space with lots of pedestrian or vehicle traffic
- Be sure car doors are locked and all windows are rolled up before leaving your car
- Activate your security system, if you have one
- Do not leave push-start key fobs in the car or a spare key, even if the car is in your garage
- Consider adding surveillance cameras to your home
- If the car is not driven often, consider disconnecting the battery (consult a mechanic to make sure the disconnected battery will not damage the car’s computer)
- Be a good neighbor. It is important to remember that people aren't suspicious, behavior is. When in doubt, dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations, call (408)615-5580
What is Suspicious Behavior?
Signs of behavior that might be suspicious:- A person carrying property, especially computers or other electronic equipment, office machinery, or a locked bicycle at an unusual hour or location
- A person looking in car windows and pulling on doors
- A person going door-to-door in an office building or a residential area without proper identification
- A person pulling on bicycles or tampering with locks near a bike rack
- A person combing through mail or packages
- A person forcibly entering a locked vehicle or building
- One or more persons sitting in a parked car closely scanning the area
The Santa Clara Police Department reminds residents to remain vigilant. Together we can make a difference!
Address/Location
Santa Clara Police Department
601 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 408-615-5580