CAR BREAK-IN AND THEFT PREVENTION: SIX ESSENTIAL STRATEGIES

Recently, there has been a sharp increase in car break-ins and thefts in Baltimore

County. Places that might normally be viewed as “safe” for parked cars are now

being targeted by thieves, making residents vulnerable where they once thought

that they were protected against such crimes.

In an effort to reduce the car break-ins and thefts, the Baltimore County Breaking

News team offers the following strategies to keep you and your vehicle safer. While

there is no “one solution,” we can, collectively, take steps to deter thieves and

discourage them from spending time in our neighborhoods looking for

opportunities to, easily, break the law.

1. Security: Install and Activate Car Alarms and Anti-Theft Devices

A. If your car has a pre-installed car alarm, make sure you activate it whenever you

leave your car, even if it is to run into your home for a moment to drop off a few

items. Listen for it to activate and Look for your lights to “blink” when you activate

it (if your car has these features). Be mindful of setting the alarm, and don’t rely on

instinct to set it. If you are distracted while getting out of your car, there’s a good

chance that you will forget to set it.

B. If your car does NOT have a pre-installed alarm, purchase one.

C. You should also consider purchaing an after-market anti-theft device, such as a

Club or brake pedal lock. The more visible the device, the greater chance your car

will be left alone.

D. Car alarms and security systems will lock your doors automatically. Always make

the effort to double check that the doors are locked.

2. Exterior: Keep Windows, Sunroofs, and Moonroofs Shut

A. Under no circumstances should you keep your windows, sunroofs, or moonroofs

“cracked” open when you are not in your vehicle. Double check all windows before

leaving your vehicle to ensure they are sealed tightly.

B. Tint your windows, if possible, to make it harder to see inside your vehicle.

Spontaneous thefts happen very quickly; if a thief has to struggle to see if your car

has potential items to steal, he or she will move on to another vehicle where it is

easier to see inside.

3. Interior: Keep Cars Clean and Free of Bags and Items of Any Kind

A. Car thieves will break into your car for one of two reasons: To steal contents or to

steal the vehicle. If you refrain from keeping any bags or items in plain sight, you are

reducing – significantly – the temptation for a criminal to perform an impulsive

smash-and-grab break in. No items are off limits: shovels, car tools, bags, boxes, and

other materials or containers provide adequate temptation.

B. Keep valuables in a trunk or under a cargo cover so that they cannot be seen

when walking past your vehicle.

C. Don’t hide your items or valuables when in plain sight or when you are leaving

your vehicle. For example, avoid pulling into a parking place, removing bags from

the front seat, putting them in your trunk, and then leaving your car.

D. Don’t leave indicators or evidence that you have valuables elsewhere in the car.

Put away phone chargers and other accessories that might suggest you have

valuable electronics stored in a glove compartment or center console.

4. Keys: Always Know Where They Are

A. Never, ever leave your keys in your ignition, for any reason. It is very easy to get

distracted at a convenience store, while pumping gas, or even in your neighborhood

when talking with friends. Look to see the keys in your hand when you exit your

vehicle and put them in a safe place immediately.

B. Don’t leave your car running, unattended, for any reason. There is no such thing

as safely “running in” to a house or store while leaving your car on. Thieves might be

waiting within feet of you for such an opportunity.

5. Visibility and Sensibility: Use Common Sense

A. Keep your car in a very open and public space, whenever possible. Avoid parking

by high walls, bushes, dumpsters, large trucks, or other structures that might block

others from seeing suspicious activity around your car. This provides thieves with

precious time (often just a few more seconds) to break into your vehicle.

B. If you feel unsafe, for any reason, trust your instincts and find another solution.

Sometimes, that might mean foregoing a stop at a store, or calling a friend for

assistance if you don’t feel safe. Take no chances.

6. Neighborhood Volunteer Organizations

A. Join, support, or create your neighborhood “Citizens On Patrol” group to provide a

stronger presence in your community.

B. Join, support, or create an online group or community that reports and shares

information to your neighbors. NextDoor is one such site, but others use Facebook

Groups (a “closed” group works best) to alert others of suspicious vehicles,

individuals, or activity.

The Baltimore County Breaking News team encourages you to be safe, vigilant, and

proactive in taking measures to avoid criminal activity in your neighborhoods. The

best way to stop crime is to discourage criminals. Remember, though, that your

safety, above everything else, is what is most important.

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