Vehicle prowls and break-ins spike in car break-ins during the holiday shopping season. Many of these crimes are crimes of opportunity:
Thieves target vehicles that have been left unlocked or have valuables left in plain sight.
Protect Yourself and Your Vehicle
- Always try to park in safe, well-lit, fully visible areas.
- If possible, leave valuables at home. When parking, remove, or hide from view, anything a thief may find attractive in your vehicle.
- Lock your car & roll up all windows
Prevent Identity Theft & Fraud
Limit the amount of personal information you keep in your vehicle, to protect yourself from other related crimes such as identity theft or fraud.
Items Most Commonly Stolen from a Vehicle
- Clothing
- DVDs
- Electronics
- Garage door openers
- Gym bags
- Headphones
- Liquor
- Money
- Packages
- Purses
- Shoes
- Shopping bags
- Sporting equipment
- Sunglasses
- Toys
- Wallets
Witnessing a Vehicle Prowl
If you witness a vehicle prowl in progress do not confront the prowler. Call 9-1-1 immediately. If possible, provide a description of the prowler, including:
- Clothing (hat, shirt and pants color, gloves, shoes)
- Direction of travel
- Height
- Weight