Vehicle Burglary is most often a crime of opportunity. Our own carelessness is often causing our vehicles to be broken into as well as stolen; however, you can minimize your chances of being a victim by taking away the opportunity. Here are some tips to remember:

• Lock your vehicle and take the keys
• Park carefully in well lighted areas
• Use anti-theft devices
• Clean it out; do not leave anything in it
• Remove the garage door opener
• Utilize your garage to park in, if possible
• Use an engraver to mark your valuable property
• Report suspicious activity or persons to the Sheriff’s Department or your local law enforcement agency.

Lock up:

• An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. Lock up when you leave your car, and take the keys with you.
• Lock the trunk or tailgate.
• Close all windows – professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the smallest openings.
• Be sure vent or wind-wing windows are shut tight and locked.
• Lock your car even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station, convenience store or mini-mall.
• At night, park in well-lit areas with lots of people around when out running errands.
• Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking, this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.

Items to avoid leaving in your vehicle and/or view:

• Cellular phones and chargers
• Pagers
• Cd’s
• Purses/briefcases
• Wallets
• Back packs
• Clothing
• Laptops/cameras
• Sports equipment/tools
• Removable stereos including the removable face plates

Operation I.D.:

• With an electric engraver, etch your driver’s license number on stereo equipment and other valuable items.
• Record your vehicle identification number (located on a small metal plate on the dashboard of newer cars) and store it in a safe place.
• Keep the vehicle registration in your wallet or purse, not in your car.
• Use anti-theft devices

Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as:

• An interior hood lock release
• Second ignition switch or "kill switch" to prevent electrical current from reaching the coil distributor.
• Fuel switch to prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor.
• Locking devices for batteries, wheels, decks, etc.
• Alarm device to activate a siren, horn or lights – or all three – to frighten the thief away.
• Device that attaches to the steering wheel or brake pedal.