In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office investigated hundreds of vehicle break-ins.  Although criminals may always have a desire to commit such crimes, it is important as vehicle owners that you do your part to reduce your chance of being a victim.  Many of the common sense steps below only take seconds to accomplish, but can mean the difference between the suspect breaking into your car or moving on.

• Lock your car doors and keep windows up.  Many criminals will walk down the street and pull door handles and enter only those vehicles that are unlocked.
• Many suspects won't risk breaking a vehicle window because it can be noisy and draw attention to them.
• Take valuables out of your car if possible.  If not, place the valuables out of sight.  If a criminal doesn’t see anything, they’re less likely to break in and will go to the next vehicle.  Remember to hide valuables BEFORE you park in the place you’re leaving your vehicle.
• Record the serial numbers of valuables you must leave in your vehicle.  This can be helpful in recovering the property if it were stolen.
• Park in areas that are well lit and not secluded.  Criminals often like to work in areas where they won’t be seen.
• If you have the choice, use parking lots which have security guards patrolling the area.

There is no way to prevent all crime, but by following the simple steps outlined above, you will greatly reduce the chance that your vehicle will be burglarized.