The Delaware State Police continually investigate theft from motor vehicle complaints. These crimes can quickly sour your summer with the loss of money, electronics, personal belongings of value, personal identification, and other items. Many of these complaints result from the owner leaving their vehicle unsecured. These crimes are avoidable by simply taking the extra time to ensure that your vehicles are locked while parked at work, gas stations, shopping centers, and your residence. The Delaware State Police want to share the importance of securing your vehicles to combat this preventable crime trend.

The Delaware State Police are offering the following prevention and awareness tips:

• Always keep the doors of your unattended vehicles locked and the windows shut.
• Do not leave items of value in your vehicle. These items include purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics, checkbooks, money, Social Security cards, loose change, documents, and paperwork with your printed personal information.
• 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.
• Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items. This can give the general impression that other property of value may be kept within 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 from your residence.
• If you have a surveillance security system at home, include your vehicle in the angle of your camera. If you locate a suspicious subject on your property or around your vehicle, do not confront them. Instead, call 9-1-1 immediately.

And finally, be a good witness for your neighbors, co-workers, and fellow citizens. 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.

Avoid taking a false security mindset. These crimes happen in all communities across the region. Your address will not safeguard your property. The Delaware State Police wish everyone a safe and happy summer!

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal Amina Ali

Released: 071123  0800

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