Our 2nd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialists are warning us to be on guard against thieves targeting our vehicles:
During the last week the 2nd precinct had 18 motor vehicles broken into and items such as laptops, tools, a satellite radio, sunglasses, CD's, a coat, cigarettes, several GPSs, a gym bag, a TV, a camera, and jewelry have been taken from the vehicles. We encourage you to help us stop this crime from occurring by removing items from your car was you are parking your car.
According to Minneapolis Police Department statistics for 2008, there were nearly seven vehicles stolen per day in the city. Another fifteen vehicles were broken into in order to steal items from them. One fifth of all crime in the United States are auto thefts. A car is stolen every 33 seconds, every day of the year. Most vehicles are stolen because it was easy to do so; eighty percent of vehicles stolen are left unlocked and 42% had the keys left inside.
For questions, contact:
Carol Oosterhuis, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 2nd Precinct
(612) 673-2874
carol.oosterhuis@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
The Police Department has a tip sheet (pdf) on preventing victimization by these thieves.
- Lock your car doors and close your windows.
- Never leave your car running unattend.
- Don’t hide keys in your vehicle.
- Park in a garage or a well‐lighted area.
- Consider installing a car alarm or an anti‐theft device such as a steering wheel bar lock, an engine disabler switch, etc.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car. Even small items like CDs or loose change can be tempting to a thief.
- If you must leave valuables in your trunk before reaching your destination.
- Use portable mounts for add‐on electronics like a GPS. Take them with you or lock them out of sight.
H/T: Minneapolis Crime Watch posted this alert before we got to it.
Thanks, Margaret!
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