Crime Prevention Tips for the Fall

 

Fall has arrived and with it daylight savings time has ended. Thus, darkness is falling earlier.

All those activities previously done in daylight will now occur in darkness: Going to your vehicle after work, picking up your children from after‐school activities and sports.

You may already be doing holiday shopping in the evening.

Even though it is only after 5 p.m., it is as dark as if it is 9 p.m.

Here are a few crime prevention tips to make the transition easier.

 

VEHICLE SECURITY

Everyday law enforcement agencies take crime reports from victims of burglaries and thefts of property from their vehicles as well as stolen vehicle reports.

Though nothing can prevent you from ever being a victim of such a crime, there are things you can do to lessen the odds of your being victimized.

Many vehicle burglars are opportunists and will look for the vehicle that is unlocked or the one that may be locked but has valuables left inside.

Even if your vehicle is locked and alarmed, if there are valuables in sight (even covered up) a window may be smashed to gain entry. This all can occur in a matter of seconds.

Don’t make it easy for them:

♦  Never leave the keys inside the vehicle.　

♦  Make sure that all windows are up all the way before locking your vehicle. 　

♦  Lock your vehicle even if you are only going to be away from it a short time.　

♦  Lock your vehicle even if it is parked in your driveway, inside your garage or on the street in front of your residence.　

♦  Make sure your vehicle alarm is activated whenever you exit/lock your vehicle.　

♦  Do not leave valuables, (i.e. purses, wallets, cellular phones, cameras, laptop computers etc.) inside your vehicle, even if it is locked.　

♦  Even if your vehicle is locked and alarmed, do not attempt to "hide" valuables under the seat or under an item of clothing in the vehicle.　

♦  If you have a removable faceplate on your stereo, always remove and take it with you. Do not leave it in the glove compartment.　

♦  Please report any theft from your vehicle immediately to your local law enforcement agency. It is up to you whether or not you chose to report this to your insurance company.　

♦  If you observe anyone acting suspiciously in the area of your vehicle, report it immediately to law enforcement by dialing 9‐1‐1 on your cellular phone.　

♦  Do not keep a "Hide‐a‐Key" in the wheel well. Burglars will usually look for a key and if they find one they will use it to enter your vehicle or even steal it!

 

PARKING LOT SAFETY TIPS

Nothing you can do will protect you from being the victim of a crime 100% of the time, however by practicing good crime prevention you can lessen your odds of being a victim.

  • During the fall/winter when it gets darker earlier, park under a parking lot light when you arrive to work or are returning from lunch. That way the area around your car will be well lit when you are walking to the parking lot after work when it is dark. This also pertains if you are shopping at night.
  • Make sure all your windows are up and all doors locked when you leave your vehicle.
  • Utilize your car alarm system if you have one.
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when walking to your car.
  • Have your keys already in hand when you approach your car. Searching for car keys can make you vulnerable.
  • Do not leave cell phones, wallets, purses, briefcases, packages, shopping bags etc. on the seat or anywhere in the car.
  • Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with campers, or vehicles with darkened windows
  • Employees should walk to their vehicles in groups when leaving work.
  • A small flashlight and whistle are items that are good to have in hand or on your chain ring.
  • If you have a cell phone keep it in hand while you walk to your car.
  • If you encounter someone near your vehicle, rather than continue to your car go back to your office (if you can do so safely and it would not put them in further danger) to contact the local law enforcement agency by dialing 9-1-1.
  • Report that someone is loitering and you are concerned to go to your car.
  • If you cannot go back to your office, get to a safe place and dial 9-1-1 from your cell phone. This call will be answered by a local California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatcher who will transfer your call to the appropriate law enforcement agency