Summer is officially here!
Unfortunately, as temperatures rise, the amount of property crimes committed usually rises, too. One of the most commonly occurring crimes in the Naperville area is burglary to motor vehicles. This is the unlawful entry into a vehicle to commit a theft. Last year more than 77% of the vehicles burglarized were UNLOCKED at the time of entry. That means you can deter thieves and protect your belongings with one simple rule: Lock it up!
In many cases, burglary to motor vehicle is a crime of opportunity. Criminals look for the easy target – the unlocked car with valuables plainly visible inside. So, here are a few steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim:
- ALWAYS LOCK your vehicle. This is the best way to avoid becoming a victim. It may only take seconds to break a window, but doing so makes noise. Criminals hate making noise and will often move from car to car, pulling on door handles until they find one that’s unlocked to rummage through. Even if your vehicle is parked in your driveway, keep it locked!
- Do not leave your property in plain view. Remember to hide valuables BEFORE you park. If a criminal sees you put a laptop or purse in the trunk, they’ll just break into the trunk when you leave.
- Never leave the keys in your vehicle. No matter how quick you are going to run in and out of somewhere, take your keys with you!
- Take all valuables out of your car. Don’t leave money, phones, wallets, purses and other valuable items in plain view to tempt would-be thieves.
- Park in well-lit parking areas that are not secluded. Remember, criminals don’t like witnesses.
- Call 911 immediately to report ANY suspicious or unusual activity. Be prepared to provide vehicle (make, model, color, plate) and suspect (gender, race and clothing) information.
- If your vehicle is burglarized, call the police department immediately and try not to touch the vehicle until the police have a chance to search for evidence.
“Locking It” just doesn’t apply to motor vehicles. Remember to always lock your home’s doors and windows and close your garage, too.
Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.
