Dec 1 2020

Protect It. It’s Yours!

Burglary and Auto Theft Prevention Tips

The first thing you can do to help: LOCK YOUR DOOR, Don’t leave valuables or extra keys in your car – particularly not in plain sight! Don’t be the next car burglary victim!

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE RUNNING.  Please turn off the ignition and lock your door. A lot of offenses are taking place when people leave their vehicles running when they run in the store to pay for gas, to get a drink, to let the car warm up. Whenever you exit the vehicle please turn off and lock your door.

DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR.  That sounds like “common sense”, but drivers/passengers do leave items of value in plain view every day. If you leave valuable items visible in your car, your car is automatically a target.

If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously. This includes packages, backpacks, gym bags, GPS units, cell phones, and so forth. Someone may be watching when you put items under a seat or throw something over them. 

What Items are Most Commonly Stolen from Vehicles?

  • Backpacks, gym bags, briefcases, day-planners
  • Cash/coins, checkbooks, and credit/debit cards
  • Wallets and purses (even when hidden under a seat or in an unlocked glove compartment)
  • Laptop computers
  • Cell phones (and chargers)
  • Portable GPS navigation systems
  • Jewelry, keys, mail (identity theft)
  • tools

Anything of obvious value. LOCK! TAKE! HIDE!

If you can’t take them with you, at least lock the items in your glove compartment (if capable of locking) or your trunk (if you have one). Leave no trace. Don’t leave any “sign” that there might be valuables “out of sight” in your vehicle, such as docking stations or connector cables. Leave nothing in “plain sight” that might make your vehicle worth “investigating” by a thief; not even loose coins.

  • Try to park in busy, well-lighted areas.
  • Lock ALL your vehicle’s doors even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time.
  • Set any alarm or anti-theft device.

DPD officers cannot be everywhere, and we count on good people to be our “eyes and ears” and report suspicious activities as they are occurring. Do your part by taking preventive action and spreading the word. You can make a difference.

  • Report Suspicious activity If you see suspicious activity, report it to Dallas Police Department @ 911.
  • Don’t hesitate to call DPD to report ANY suspicious activities, persons, or vehicles.

 

mg