Prevent Theft from Your Vehicle

Several thefts from motor vehicles are reported to the police department every week, and it remains one of the most frequently occurring crimes in the United States.

Why does it happen, and how can it be prevented?

Vehicles are easy targets and often contain property attractive to thieves. Even the most amateur thief can stroll through residential neighborhoods and parking lots and find plenty of opportunity. These crimes are motivated by the criminal's need for a few dollars to buy drugs or to live on for a few days. This short-term gain for the thief can translate into weeks of effort toward putting your affairs back in order. Theft from vehicles may leave you with the inconvenience of replacing property, making reports to your insurance company and the police, repairing damage to your vehicle, and the frustration of losing your valuables.

Help the Georgetown Police Department reduce this crime in our community by taking these simple steps.

Locking Up

Never leave your car unlocked, or the windows open. Leaving your car unlocked is an open invitation for a thief to help himself. Even leaving your window open a small space can be enough for a thief with the proper tools to unlock and open your car.

Lock your car every time you leave it unattended, including short stops at locations such as your home, gas stations, or convenience stores. It is very common for a theft to occur during the few moments you might be inside a building, and your car is not in your view.

Never leave your keys anywhere in or on the car. If your car is broken into, the keys can be used to take your car. Home or office keys and any identifying paperwork or ID left in the car can lead a thief to your home or business.

Do not leave personal property in clear view. Cellular phones, day planners, briefcases, backpacks, laptop computers, purses, wallets, gym bags, shopping bags, packages, credit cards and money are the most common items thieves look for. A thief may not know what is in a bag, but will be willing to break a window or door lock to find out.

If you do have to store property, place it in the trunk so it is not visible to the opportunist. Even better, stow it prior to arriving at your destination so you are not seen putting it away when you arrive.

If you use a removable stereo or faceplate, take it with you rather than stowing it. Most thieves assume you've placed it somewhere in the car such as under the seat or in the glove box.

Record serial numbers. Record serial numbers of your personal property. Keep a written record of serial numbers for pagers, cell phones, stereos, etc. If these items are lost or stolen, the serial numbers can be listed in a national, stolen property computer system and your property returned to you if it is located.

Property can also be engraved. Property can also be engraved with your driver's license number preceded by the two-letter state identifier, for example CA for California. You should NOT use your Social Security Number.

Parking

Avoid leaving your car in an under-used or unattended lot. A frequently used lot means more witnesses so a theft is less likely to occur. If you are parking at night, or will be returning to your car after dark, park where the area will be well lit. Stay away from areas that are concealed, obscured or remote.

Report Suspicious Activity.  Suspicious activity / persons should be reported to the police immediately.  Please call Georgetown Police Central Dispatch by dialing 911 or 502-863-7820.  Your tips make a difference!!  Many theft cases have been solved by suspicious activity reports from Georgetown Citizens.