Prevent Theft from Vehicles

Date: 11/17/2008
Number of Views: 133

During the holiday season the police division often sees an increase in thefts from vehicles.  Although residents of Westerville should be able to park their vehicles in their driveways, street, or parking lots without fear of finding their windows smashed out and property missing, it is probably the most common crime in the city.  Unfortunately, most of these thefts could be prevented which would save our residents money, time and aggravation.  

The recent thefts from vehicles have primarily happened to unlocked vehicles.  Locking your vehicle greatly reduces your chance of being a victim.  The good news is that you can take a few other precautions to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of theft.

• Remove all valuable materials from your vehicle or secure it in the trunk.  Never leave property visible in your vehicle.  Some of the more popular items are purses, laptop computers, and any electronic equipment.  Even if you don’t have anything valuable in a gym-bag or briefcase, the criminal does not know that.  He may break out a window to take it with the thought that something of value may be inside.  

• Always roll up your window and lock your doors.

• Always park in well-lit areas.

• Try to always park your vehicle off the street and in your driveway.  Even better, park your vehicles in your garage.  This one act can reduce your risk dramatically.

• Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police.  It is very important that you call immediately.  Thefts from vehicles costs money from insurance deductibles, time from canceling and dealing with your credit card companies, and aggravation from getting your car repaired and addressing fraudulent activity on your credit cards. 

If you follow a few simple steps, you can save yourself from this hassle.

When reporting suspicious activity to the Police:

•   Call the non-emergency phone# 882-7444

•   Identify yourself- name, address, phone number

•   Type of crime (burglary, assault, suspicious person, or vehicle, etc.)

•   Where?  Be specific as possible.

•   Description of suspect, whether armed, how many suspects

•   Description of vehicle, license plate number

•   Direction of travel

•   Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until they tell you that you may hang up.  (Unless