The Delaware State Police have been experiencing a rash of vehicle break-ins. This is not only occurring to residents who live on back un-lit county roads, but also those who live in well-lighted developments and mobile home parks. There have been multiple arrests in these cases, but ongoing criminal activity indicate additional individuals are continuing to target vehicles. Help us help you. The Delaware State Police highly suggest the following tips to help prevent our area residents from becoming a victim:

• Keep your doors to all of your vehicles locked at all times and windows shut.
• Do not leave items of value in your vehicle. This includes purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics, check books, money, SS card, loose change, documents and paperwork with your personal information listed.
• Store valuable tools inside your residence. If needed daily for work, create an easy system to load and unload daily, such as using storage containers to transport.
• Lock your glove box, which should only store your registration and insurance cards. Do not store your vehicle title in the glove box. Store it in a safe place in your residence.
• Do not leave items that perceive valuable, such as a laptop case with no laptop.
• Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items. This also can perceive valuables are hidden under items in the vehicle.
• Do not keep a spare vehicle key hidden in the same vehicle. Do not store house keys or other keys in your vehicle.
• If possible, keep your vehicle parked under a lighted area that you can check on from your residence.
• If you have a surveillance security system, include your vehicles in the angle of your camera system. If you locate a suspicious subject on your property, in the area of your vehicles, do not confront them, call 911 immediately.

Also, be a good witness for your neighbor, as you would want them to do the same for you. Pay attention to what is going on in your neighborhood, and report suspicious activity. Take the time to set preventative measures to protect your property and valuables. It only takes one time for someone to break into your vehicle, steal your personal property, and cause you a financial burden. Take the time to be preventative, it’s worth it.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 050918 1912

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