An ounce of prevention works! Last week reminders were put out to UO football fans and to Spencer Butte visitors (news, social media, fliers, posters, information kiosks, public service announcements, and patrols by EPD volunteers) to prevent vehicle break-ins. Spencer Butte was having a lot of break ins beginning in the first part of August.
The results? At Spencer Butte, there were no reports of thefts from vehicles after the notice went out, until two new reports September 3. The UO Game Day only had three vehicles broken into (windows smashed in and backpacks, tablets, camera equipment and clothing stolen). That’s actually a lower number, but EPD would like to see losses at zero.
Anytime large numbers of vehicles are left unattended for extended periods of time, local thieves view it as easy pickings. By incorporating the tips below you can prevent an unpleasant surprise after a pleasant outing.
THEFT FROM VEHICLE TIPS:
Theft from a vehicle is one of the most common crimes in our area. In almost all cases, the victims had left property visible in the vehicle. There is one clear message, if you want to keep someone from breaking into your vehicle, don't leave anything visible inside the vehicle! If you will follow this one simple rule, you will likely not become a victim of this crime.
• Be careful when leaving electronics in your vehicle, GPS, Ipod’s, etc. Even just a cord visible, indicates the likelihood such a device is inside. Your safest option is to leave anything you consider valuable at home.
• Don’t park and then put something in your vehicle’s trunk and then walk away from the vehicle. If someone saw you put it in, they can usually access your trunk by breaking into your vehicle and accessing the trunk release. Instead, put the item in the trunk before arriving at your location. This is especially important at hiking/running locations, sporting events and shopping malls
• Secure vehicles by rolling up the windows and locking doors (even on a hot day – it is better to take a few minutes to air out a hot car than to discover a theft)
• Use an anti-theft steering wheel lock (The Club) to avoid having your vehicle stolen.
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