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Larceny of Portable Electronic Devices |
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Written by Lt. Robert Swanigan
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Wednesday, 03 June 2009 |
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WHY ARE THEY SO ATTRACTIVE TO CRIMINALS AND ARE ANY SYSTEMS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THEFT THAN OTHERS? Satellite Navigation and Portable Music (IPOD or Satellite Radio) systems can be “pre-installed” units fitted into vehicles during the manufacturing process or small portable units that can be purchased separately and added to your vehicle. These portable units are easily installed with no complicated wiring procedures. For most of these units all that is required is to install a cradle in which the unit sits and away you go. It is these types of units, as well as other small electronics, such as laptop computers, cellular telephones and cameras, that are attractive to a thief. The units are small, portable and highly desirable. A thief will have no trouble passing them on for a profit. WHAT CAN MOTORISTS DO TO DETER THIEVES? ⇒ Do not leave anything on display that could tempt a thief – remove portable units from the dashboard, including the cradle. Do not simply put the unit in the glove box or under your seat, thieves will quickly find it. In all thefts during January 2008 (60) the items were left in plain view!⇒ Keep a supply of moist towelettes to clean the area of the windshield marked by a suction cup.⇒ Record serial numbers for all valuables (i.e. laptop computers, camera, satellite radio, cell phone, etc.)⇒ Lock all doors and close windows when you leave your car, even if it is only for a short while. This includes filling up at the gas station. 17% of thefts reported during January 2008 occurred from unlocked cars! ⇒ Look for a parking space in a well lit, busy place.
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News 
Georgetown, KY
