Tips: Car & Residential
Can A Car Burglary Can Lead To Residential Burglary? The Answer Is YES!
Start by avoiding a car breakin:
1. Remove visible items from your vehicle. If you leave items visible in your car, you are a target. Be aware that someone may be watching as you put a wallet, purse, cell phone, or GPS system under your seat, especially at a gym. Take these items with you.
2. Lock it Up!
- Lock your vehicle and take your keys, even for quick errands.
- Lock the trunk, hatchback or tailgate to block access into the car.
- Close all windows, including vent or wing windows and sunroofs.
- Buy an alarm and use it!
Many people believe that alarms no longer make a difference; however, they do remain an effective deterrent to a burglar. Criminals will choose the easiest target. If they have two cars to choose from – one with an alarm and one without – they will burglarize the one without.
3. Park Safely!
- At home, park in your garage if you have one. Lock your car and all garage doors.
- Park in a well-lighted area.
- Check to see that your vehicle is visible from pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Avoid alleys.
Information inside your vehicle can tell a criminal where you live. If you leave keys and garage door openers inside your car, you are making a home break in easy.
Vehicle Registration - Black out the address on your registration and photocopy it. Keep the copy, not the original, in your car. Keep a copy with the name and address (per the vehicle code) with you when operating the vehicle. (This is legal.)
Mail - Do not leave outgoing or incoming mail in your car, especially where visible. This has your name and address (and possibly Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers) on it.
Garage Door Opener - Avoid leaving this in your car if possible. If you must keep it in your car, remove it from sight or lock it in your glove box.
Keys - Never leave keys in your car.
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For more information about auto burglaries or the Placentia Neighborhood Watch Program please call Nilda Berndt, Placentia Police Department, Crime Prevention/Community Relations Officer at (714) 993-8225.