New Castle County– Over the course of the last week, the Delaware State Police have investigated a series of thefts of property from vehicles which were parked in child care facility parking lots. This recent location trend is not widespread however the sudden increase in incidents specific to these locations was notable. These thefts involved vehicles that were both locked and unlocked. There was also a re-occurrence of thefts from vehicles parked at fitness clubs, which was a trend in prior months.

While some thefts do involve forced entry into a locked vehicle the vast majority of thefts are from unlocked cars. And in the incidents involving forced entry, it was determined that something of value was visible inside the vehicle. By simply locking your doors and keeping any and all property out of plain view you can significantly lessen the chances of being victimized.

These safeguards should always be in place but even more so during this holiday shopping season when thieves anticipate recently purchased gifts to be stored in vehicles.

With this information in mind we are again offering the following prevention and awareness tips:

• Keep the doors 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, checkbooks, 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, 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 have a perceived value, such as a laptop case with no laptop.
• Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items. This can give the general impression that other property of value may be within the vehicle.
• Do not keep a spare vehicle key hidden in the same vehicle. Do not store or 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. If you locate a suspicious subject on your property, in the area of your vehicles, do not confront them, call 911 immediately.

And finally, be a good witness for your neighbors, co-workers and fellow citizens, as you would want them to do the same for you. Pay attention and be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, and other places that you frequent throughout the course of your day such as the parking lots of local businesses, your workplace, parks, etc.

If you See Something-Say Something, by reporting all suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency, call 9-1-1.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 121919 1800

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